High turnout a boost for poll officials

The voter turnout in three Assembly segments of Kashmir valley8217;s Bandipore district in the first phase of elections has come as a huge boost for the democratic process in the state.

The Assembly segments of Gurez, Bandipore and Sonawari on Monday witnessed a voter turnout of 74 per cent, 57 per cent and 51 per cent respectively. The corresponding figures in 2002 8212; considered a landmark election in the state8217;s history 8212; were 76.5 per cent, 31 per cent and 56 per cent, respectively. The present figures assume significance because of three reasons. One, various separatist organisations had given a call to boycott the elections. Two, the Election Commission in the state, as also the political parties there, had only five days 8212; as against the usual practice of around three weeks 8212; to make necessary arrangements, including that of candidate selection. Three, the state witnessed early snowfall, including in Bandipore district.

As against the originally-planned 12 polling stations, to be covered under the contingency plan in the event of snowfall, the Election Commission, therefore, had to include 24 more polling stations in the Gurez Assembly segment in the plan.

8220;While coordinating the entire operation with various stakeholders was crucial, the weather was the biggest challenge for us,8221; said Jammu and Kashmir Chief Electoral Officer B R Sharma.