ECI pushes back election date for Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary seat

SRINAGAR — The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Tuesday a significant revision to the election schedule for the Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary seat, moving the polling day from May 7 to May 25.

The decision came in response to numerous representations from various political parties in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. These representations cited logistical challenges, communication barriers, and natural connectivity hindrances that were impeding fair campaigning opportunities for contesting candidates in the constituency.

According to an official order from the Election Commission of India, cited by a local news agency, the Commission considered reports from the UT administration and assessed the ground situation prevailing in the constituency before making the decision.

“The Commission, after considering the report from UT administration as well as analyzing the ground situation prevailing in the said constituency, has decided under Section 56 of Representation of People Act, 1951, to revise the date of the poll in the said Parliamentary Constituency in respect of ongoing General Election to Lok Sabha, 2024, for Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary seat from 07 May to 25 May,” the order stated.

This move aims to ensure a more equitable electoral process and address the challenges faced by candidates in effectively reaching out to voters in the Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency.