Srinagar, May 13: In a remarkable turnaround from the 2018 municipal elections when not a single vote was cast in Srinagar’s Soura ward, the constituency witnessed a robust voter turnout in the 2024 polls.
The two polling booths at Government Higher Secondary School Boys and Girls, catering to over 11,000 eligible voters, had recorded over 2000 votes by noon.
This voter enthusiasm stood in stark contrast to the 2018 scenario when three candidates vied for the ward with an electorate of 11,265, but not a single ballot was cast throughout the day, leading to it being dubbed the ‘zero-sum’ story. Residents of Soura expressed their determination to exercise their democratic rights this time around.
Ali Muhammad, a local from Anchar Soura, said, “We decided to come out and vote for a candidate who will address our problems. There are a plethora of issues, ranging from local concerns to those confronting Kashmir as a whole. My vote is for that.” For Javid Ahmad, a first-time voter, casting his ballot was a moral obligation.
“I felt it was my duty to vote, as we have seen how disenfranchised Kashmir has become,” he said.
The increased voter participation reflected the residents’ commitment to having a voice in the democratic process.
Muhammad Shafi, another local, said, “Voting is our democratic right, and we can choose leaders who represent us. It is a powerful tool.”
Mohsin Khan, a resident highlighted the broader significance of the high turnout. “Overall, the increased voter turnout signifies a shift towards greater participation and engagement in the democratic process in the region,” he said.