Election Commission Initiates Process for Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections

In a significant development, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially started preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar announced on Monday that the commission is taking steps to facilitate the electoral process in the region.

The last Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir were conducted in 2014 after the resignation of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti following a split with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

As part of the preliminary steps, the ECI has begun the process of allocating symbols to both registered and unrecognized political parties. This is a standard procedure that typically precedes elections, indicating that the electoral process is moving forward.

According to an official document obtained by the Samba Times, the Commission has decided to accept applications for the allotment of a common symbol under Para 10B of the Election Symbols (Reservation & Allotment) Order, 1968. This measure is intended to prepare for the General Election to the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

According to sources The ECI is expected to implement the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in Jammu and Kashmir starting on June 22, 2024. This code is a set of guidelines issued by the ECI to regulate political parties and candidates prior to elections, ensuring free and fair elections.

The initiation of this process marks a significant step towards re-establishing a representative government in Jammu and Kashmir, following years of political uncertainty and administrative changes.