On September 20, 2023, Jammu Municipal Corporation initiated the process for Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections in Jammu and Kashmir, with training for officials and the dispatch of electronic voting machines (EVMs) to districts. However, amid political debates, the polls faced potential postponement due to security concerns, contradicting claims of improved security. The delay in Jammu's polls was attributed to the BJP's desire to maintain a narrative of integration following Article 370's abrogation. Opposition parties highlighted public discontent and held meetings in Jammu to address regional grievances.
The DDC elections, the results of which were declared (barring two berths) has been a major electoral exercise in Jammu and Kashmir after the reading down of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, and the subsequent bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir state into two Union territories. The development was keenly watched and is being commented in the media. Here follow some of the editorials that have appeared in the major non-Jammu and Kashmir newspapers.
BJP Kashmir unit Sunday facilitated newly District Development Council (DDC) members. Pic: Internet
Spot The Winner In J&K, The Alliance Has Spoken
There is thus reason to view the outcome as an expression of the people’s opinions on the Centre’s interventions
SRINAGAR: The State Election Commissioner (SEC), K K Sharma on Saturday said that nearly 51 per cent voting was recorded in the final phase of District Development Council (DDC) elections held today across Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a press conference here, the SEC said that polling was peaceful in the poll going 28 constituencies of DDC including 13 in Kashmir division and 15 in Jammu division that witnessed 50.98 per cent of polling.
Voters in a queue at a polling booth at Cheksari Pattan area of Baramulla on Saturday, December 18, 2020. KL Image by Bilal Bahadur
The SEC informed that polling was held in 1703 polling stations including 1028 from Kashmir division and 675 from Jammu division.