JK News Today
Jammu: April 26th; The Second Phase of voting for General Elections to 18th Lok Sabha concluded peacefully here today with a record 71.91 (tentative figure) % voting in the districts of Jammu, Samba, Reasi and Part of District Rajouri. Polling took place in 2416 polling stations across the Jammu Parliamentary constituency with live webcasting in1364 polling stations.
Demonstrating the spirit of democracy the voters of Jammu, Samba, Reasi and Rajouri showed up in record numbers to cast their votes despite the summer heat. The Polling Stations witnessed long queues and ecstatic spirit with youth and first-time voters joining the electoral festivities.
Despite scorching summer heat, the voters turned in large numbers to polling stations from morning itself. Long ques were observed at many a places, specially in peripheral areas of Jammu city. Overall the poll was peaceful and no untoward incident was observed in the Parliamentary Constituency area.
After two hours of polling, 10.39% polling was recorded in the constituency at 09:00 am. By 11:00 am, 25.93% voters had cast their votes, while by 01:00 pm, 42.88% votes were cast. By 3:00 pm, 57.76% voting was recorded. By 5:00 pm, 67.22% polling was recorded in the constituency. The Poll concluded at 6.00 pm at most of the Polling Stations but at few polling stations, it continued for few minutes even after 6.00 pm, till end of the ques.
District wise breakup (as on 5 p.m ) is 65.98% for Jammu, 72.29% for Reasi, 68.64% for Samba and 70.76% in and 66.40 for Rajouri.
Till 5 P.M, the voting percentage was around 67.22 %. From the summer capital of Jammu to the hills of Reasi voters braved the summer heat and traversed difficult geographical terrain to exercise their right to vote.
Around 17,80,835 lacs electors were listed to exercise their Franchise. More than 15,000 polling staff has performed poll duty. Actual Poll started from 7.00 am and continued till 6.00 pm or conclusion of the polling, whichever is later. At every polling stations, basic minimum facilities of water, electricity, toilet, ramp, verandah/ waiting room etc were made. Even wheel chair and helper were provided to needy voters.
In order to ensure inclusive voting, 10 number of polling booths managed by women (also called as pink polling stations), 10 number of polling booths managed by specially abled persons and 9 number of polling stations managed by youths were established. Also to spread the message about environmental concerns,12 green polling stations were set up. To facilitate voter identification, apart from EPIC card, other documents such as Adhar card, Bank Passbooks, Driving License, PAN Card, Govt employee ID card etc documents were also allowed as per ECI directions. Media facilitation was done through special passes for more than 600 journalists.
The Chief Electoral Officer Jammu and Kashmir in his message congratulated all the first-time voters and expressed his gratitude towards all the voters who came in large numbers to cast their votes. He also appreciated Polling personnel engaged in the election process for their service in making the ongoing elections successful.
