Election Commission’s announcement of three-phased assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) from September 18 has come as a positive development in J&K’s journey towards re-establishig a robust democratic system in the post 2019 era. Given J&K’s complex political and social contexts, it is crucial that this election process embodies three key principles – broad public participation, fairness and inclusivity. India is globally recognised as a great democracy and its Constitution is widely respected for its grand principles. Those principles must live and thrive in Jammu & Kashmir without any exceptions.
The success of these elections will hinge on the level of voter participation. High turnout is indicative of public trust in the electoral process and is crucial for the legitimacy of the election results. The Chief Election Commissioner’s emphasis on expecting increased voter participation, particularly from women and youth, is encouraging. However, this would also require political parties to reach out to J&K’s non traditonal voter segments so that all eligible voters are informed and motivated to exercise their franchise. Although political parties have a limited time availability in mobilizing their resources to make it work, an outreach to non traditional and hesitant voter segment, which is large, is a must.
A fair and level playing field is the bedrock of any democratic election. For J&K, where political landscape has undergone significant changes over the past decade, ensuring equal opportunities for all political parties is essential. This involves not only the equitable allocation of resources but also ensuring that all parties can campaign freely. The Election Commission must ensure that all candidates, regardless of their political affiliations, are able to contest under fair conditions. This commitment to fairness will help strengthen trust in the democratic process, which has been restored to a large extent by the recent Lok Sabha elections.
These elections in J&K must promote social cohesion. It is the responsibility of all political parties not to push any narratives that could create polarisation and social disharmony among various ethnic and linguistic groups of the state. Political parties must also be careful in not embracing a kind of rhetoric that could jeopardize the hard-earned peace in the state.
Inclusivity is a key cornerstone of a thriving democracy. The elections in J&K must be inclusive of all communities, especially those who have chosen not participate in electoral processes in the past. The political landscape of J&K is enriched by its social diversity, and this diversity should be reflected in the assembly in a proportionate manner. Inclusivity also means facilitating the participation of women and youth, who are often underrepresented in political processes. Special efforts must be made to encourage their engagement, both as voters and candidates.
The upcoming assembly elections in J&K are more than just a political exercise; they are an opportunity to reinforce it’s democratic fabric after a difficult phase post 2019. By ensuring a level playing field, inclusivity, and encouraging high voter participation, these elections could mark as a stepping stone toward a more stable, representative, and vibrant democracy in Jammu & Kashmir.
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