Polling concluded for the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, covering 40 seats across seven districts, including the winter capital Jammu. In the final leg of polling, voters from 40 assembly constituencies, including 24 in Jammu division and 16 in Kashmir division, will decide the fate of 415 candidates.
Amidst this, misinformation regarding the Jammu and Kashmir Elections has been flowing from across the border on the Internet. Pak accounts are spreading the claim that there has been 70% mass boycott of Elections in Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Elections, while giving low voting percentages of different constituencies. An account named Asian Politico calling it self a News and Media Company, has claimed, ” Kashmiris Send a Resounding Message: Over 70% Boycott Sham Elections in Kashmir!
The latest election numbers are in, and they’re a stark reminder of the Kashmiri people’s rejection of India’s illegitimate occupation: –
*Bandipora*: 11.64% turnout – *Baramulla*: 8.89% turnout – *Jammu*: 11.46% turnout – *Kathua*: 13.09% turnout – *Kupwara*: 11.27% turnout – *Samba*: 13.31% turnout – *Udhampur*: 14.23% turnout This mass boycott is a testament to the Kashmiri people’s determination to resist India’s attempts to legitimize its occupation through sham elections.”
Fact Check
We investigated the viral claim by cross the media reports and official website of Election commission of India. According to media reports from NDTV dated 02 Oct,2024, “The third and final phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls on Tuesday saw a voter turnout of 68.72 per cent, surpassing the Lok Sabha poll figure in the corresponding 7 districts”
According to Official handle of the Office of Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu and Kashmir (@ceo_UTJK), they reported a total 65.48% of voter turnout in the 3rd and final phase of election.
Furthermore, according to a report from India Today dated October 1,2024 also stated,” Bandipore recorded a voter turnout of 63.33%, Baramulla 55.73%, Jammu 66.79%, Kathua 70.53%, Kupwara 62.76%, Samba 72.41% and Udhampur recorded a voter turnout of 72.91%”
Conclusion
Henceforth, from the fact check it is evident that the viral claim of Low Voter Percentage and mass boycott of Jammu Kashmir Assembly Election is False. Active participation in the elections has been reported with the overall high polling percentage in the three phases.
