Bandipora will go to polls in the third and final phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections on October 1 with over 2.59 lakh eligible voters. The district has three assembly constituencies – Sonawari, Bandipora and Gurez – with a total of 2,59,893 voters, of which 1,32,679 are male, 1,27,208 female and six third gender category voters.
The spokesperson said that for the convenience of voters, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has set up 312 polling stations – 46 urban and 266 rural – for smooth and hassle-free elections in the district. Of the three assembly constituencies in the district, Sonawari has the highest number of registered voters at 1,21,276, of which 61,473 are male, 59,799 female and four are transgender voters. There are a total of 137 polling stations in this constituency, including 23 urban and 114 rural.
Bandipora block ranks second with a population of 1,16,326 voters, of which 59,483 are male, 56,841 female and two third-gender voters. For the convenience of voters, 144 polling stations have been set up in the constituency – 23 urban and 121 rural polling stations. Gurez assembly constituency has the lowest number of voters, with 22,291 registered voters – 11,723 males and 10,568 females. A total of 31 rural polling stations have been set up across the constituency.
The district administration has completed all necessary preparations to ensure fair and transparent elections. The spokesperson said adequate measures have been taken to ensure accessibility, security and smooth operations at all polling stations in all constituencies. As per ECI guidelines, each polling station has taken steps to guarantee the safety and accessibility of voters, especially women, elderly and persons with disabilities, to ensure a hassle-free voting experience.
For the first time in a decade, Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections are being held in three phases for 90 assembly seats. The first phase was held on September 18 in 24 assembly constituencies in seven districts. The second phase on September 25 covered 26 constituencies and the third phase on October 1 covered 40 constituencies.