JAMMU: Undeterred by the weather vagaries across the expansive canvas of the five districts of Doda, Kathua, Kishtwar, Ramban, and Udhampur underwent polling as the voters embraced their civic duty with fervor and exhibited unwavering determination.Undaunted by the challenges, the polling parties, ensured the first phase of polls in Jammu and Kashmir were held with grace and resolve. The polling for First Phase of General Elections to 18th Lok Sabha in Parliamentary Constituency Udhampur has concluded peacefully. Till releasing this Press brief, the voting percentage was around 68.27%. It is especially highlighted that due to weather latest updated reports are awaited from some of the Polling Stations, specially located in remote hilly areas of Kishtwar, Gandoh, Ramban, Dudu-Basantgarh etc, the polling percentage is likely to increase slightly. Once all Polling parties, especially of remote areas reaches respective District Head quarters, the firm poll percentage will be known and the same will be shared separately with media. After two hours of polling, 8.44% polling was recorded in the constituency at 09:00 pm. By 11:00 am, 22.60% voters had cast their votes, while by 01:00 pm, 43.11% votes were cast. By 3:00 pm, 57.09% voting was recorded. By 5:00 pm, 65.08% polling was recorded in the constituency. District wise breakup is 67.75% for Kishtwar, 66.42% for Doda, 62.42% for Ramban, 70.76% in Udhampur and 70.06% in Kathua District. There were 2,637 Polling stations set up for 16.23 lakh electors of 5 Districts. More than 11,000 polling staff has performed poll duty. Actual polling started from 7.00 am and continued till 6.00 pm or conclusion of polling row, whichever was later. At every polling stations, basic minimum facilities of water, electricity, toilet, ramp, verandah/ waiting room etc were made. Even wheel chair and helper were provided to needy voters. Around 1440 polling stations had CCTV for live webcasting to control rooms. In order to ensure inclusive voting, 19 number of polling booths manned by women (also called as pink polling stations), 14 number of polling booths manned by specially abled persons and 17 number by youths. Also, in order to spread message about environmental concern, there were 20 green polling stations. To facilitate voters identification, apart from EPIC card, other documents such as Aadhaar Card, Bank Passbooks, Driving License, PAN Card, Govt employee ID card etc documents were also allowed as per ECI directions. Media facilitation was done through the passes for more than 660 journalists. Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Election Commission of India, Chief Electoral Officer, J&K and respective DEO encouraged all eligible voters to come forward and cast their votes responsibly. “Your vote is your voice, and it plays a pivotal role in determining the direction of governance and development in the region,” the CEO J&K said.
