Jammu & Kashmir Administrative Services (JKPSC)

• 03 Oct 2024

Jammu & Kashmir Elections 2024

Why in News?

Jammu & Kashmir held its first assembly elections in a decade and the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The third and final phase concluded on 1^st October, 2024.

Key Points

• Constituencies and Turnout Breakdown:
  • Kashmir Division (16 Seats):
    • Highest turnout: Gurez (77.96%) has highest turnout across the Kashmir region, outpolling 37 constituencies of Jammu division also.
  • Jammu Division (24 Seats): Highest turnout: Inderwal: 82.16%, Padder-Nagseni: 80.67%, Shri Mata Vaishnodevi: 80.45%, Akhnoor: 79.70%, Marh and Chhamb: 79%
• First phase voter turnout (18^th September): 61%
• Second phase voter turnout (25^th September): 57.3%

Jammu & Kashmir Demography

• Population Statistics (2011 Census):
  • Total population: 12,541,302 (0.93% of India’s total population).
  • Males: 6,640,662.
  • Females: 5,900,640.
  • Sex ratio: 892 females per 1,000 males (compared to the national ratio of 933).
• Religious Composition:
  • Muslims: 68.32%.
  • Hindus: 28.44%.
  • Sikhs: 1.87%.
  • Buddhists: 0.90%.
  • Christians: 0.28%.
  • Others: 0.01%.

Impact of Candidate's Death in Elections

Why in News?

In a significant development, a 75-year-old candidate from the Surankote constituency in Poonch district passed away just six days ahead of the results of the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly election.

Key Points

• Results Awaited: If a candidate dies after voting but before the results are declared, the election results will be awaited as usual.
• If Another Candidate Wins: The results will be valid, and no re-election is needed if another candidate wins after counting.
• If the Deceased Candidate Wins: If the deceased candidate wins, the election will be cancelled.
• Re-Voting/By-Election: A re-election or by-election will be held on this seat since the elected candidate cannot represent the constituency.
• Relevant Law: Under Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, elections must be held within 6 months in such a case.
• Death of a Candidate Before Voting:
  • Election Cancelled: If a candidate dies before voting and after the nomination and withdrawal period has ended, the election on the concerned seat is cancelled.
  • New Poll Date: A new date is set for the election in that constituency to ensure voters can choose a replacement candidate.
  • Relevant Provision: The process is governed by the Representation of the People Act, 1951, ensuring that voters have the chance to elect a new candidate fairly.

Representation of the People Act, 1951

• Provisions:
  • It regulates the conduct of elections.
  • It specifies the qualifications and disqualifications for membership of the houses,
  • It provides provisions to curb corrupt practices and other offences.
  • It lays down the procedure for settling doubts and disputes arising out of elections.