New Delhi: Assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir got underway on Wednesday on a peaceful and enthusiastic note.
Voter turnout in the first phase was approximately 58.85% as of 7.30 pm, according to an Election Commission of India (ECI) press release.
Polling took place at 3,276 booths across 24 Assembly constituencies in seven districts — Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Kishtwar, Anantnag, Ramban and Doda.
Significantly, voter turnout in each of these districts surpassed the levels seen during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections a few months ago.
The highest turnout was recorded in Kishtwar, at 77.23%, while Pulwama saw lowest participation at 43.87%, as per figures at 5 pm.
This is the first election in Jammu & Kashmir since a delimitation exercise earmarked 47 Assembly seats for Kashmir and 43 for Jammu.
The next two phases of polling will be held on September 25 and October 1. Counting of votes will take place on October 8.