Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly election, 2002
Jammu and Kashmir state assembly elections, 2002
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| 16 September 2002 to 8 October 2002 |
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Elections for the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir were held in September -October 2002 in four phases.[1][2] Mufti Mohammad Sayeed became Chief Minister of Jammu Kashmir after the elections.[3] In 2005 under a coalition agreement INC's Ghulam Nabi Azad became Chief Minister. He was the first Indian National Congress party Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.[4] In reaction terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad had conducted a suicide car bomb attack in Srinagar killing six people just hours before Azad's swearing-in.[5] Panthers Party formed part of the ruling coalition with Harsh Dev Singh becoming the party's first cabinet minister.[6]
Electronic Voting Machines were used for first time in Jammu Kashmir assembly elections in 2002.[7] The international community also appreciated the credibility of the elections and the results that followed it. The elections was seen as a victory of the ballot over the bullet.[8][9] United States lauded 2002 elections of the state.[10][11] There were 1.7 million voters in the state for 2002 elections.[12][13]
Voting
The first phase voting took place on 16 September 2002.[14] There was a polling station for just 11 voters in Zanskar.[7] BJP contested on 52 seats while Jammu State Morcha contested on 12 seats.[15][16] National Conference president Omar Abdullah contested from Ganderbal seat.[17] Separatists had varied views on the elections ranging from voting to boycott of elections.[18][19][20]
Results
The four stages of the elections were held as follows:
Voting stages
| | Date | Seats | Turnout |
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Monday 16 September |
23 |
47.28% |
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Sunday 24 November |
28 |
42% |
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Sunday 1 October |
5 |
41% |
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Sunday 8 October |
18 |
46% |
| | Total | 87 | 45% |
| Source:[21] |
References
