Opinion | Historical Free and Fair Elections in Kashmir

The narrative surrounding elections in Kashmir has historically been one of violence, coercion, and mistrust. However, a significant chapter in our history emerged when elections have been conducted peacefully, without violence or the fear of bloodshed. These free and fair elections marked a pivotal change, altering not just the political landscape but also the people’s perception of democracy and their participation in the electoral process.

Since 1947, when British India was divided into two separate states, India and Pakistan, Kashmir has served as a hotspot for conflicts between the two countries. Both nations made claims on Jammu and Kashmir.The first Indo-Pakistani war of 1947-48 concluded with the formation of the Line of Control (LoC), which divided the region into territories overseen by India and Pakistan.

In the decades that followed, elections in Jammu and Kashmir were frequently contentious. There were several accusations of electoral tampering, massive coercion, and voter manipulation. The 1987 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly election is a watershed event in this story. During that election, allegations of fraud and voter suppression sparked widespread dissatisfaction, fuelling the 1989 rebellion.

The elections that followed in the 1990s and early 2000s were often held under the shadow of militancy. Voter turnout was low, and violence was common.

Toward Peaceful Elections, By the mid-2000s, however, the situation in Kashmir began to show signs of change. The government,in partnership with the Election Commission of India and civil society organizations, made concerted efforts to ensure free and fair elections in J&K. Several factors contributed to this shift.

The Election Commission of India introduced stringent measures to prevent rigging, voter intimidation, and electoral fraud. This included transparent ballot systems, voter identification processes, and the deployment of independent observers. Local Kashmiri political leaders, civil society members, and community influencers began to advocate for non-violence and electoral participation as a means of achieving political representation. There was a growing realization that boycotting elections or resorting to violence only perpetuated a cycle of bloodshed, with little to no political gains.

After more than a decade of armed insurgency, many Kashmiris were weary of the continuous violence and economic devastation. Public sentiment began to shift, with an increasing number of people calling for peaceful solutions to problems. This paved the way for greater electoral participation.

By the mid-2000s, the intensity of the insurgency had waned due to various factors, including counter-insurgency operations, internal divisions within militant groups, and the public’s growing disenchantment with violence. This created a more conducive environment for elections. An essential change occurred when the youth of Kashmir, many of whom had grown up witnessing violence, began to see elections as a platform for making their voices heard. Campaigns that engaged young voters and offered hope for economic and social development gained traction.

A turning point in Kashmir’s electoral history was reached during the 2008 Legislative Assembly elections. With more than 60% of voters casting ballots, the elections were generally calm despite early concerns. The Election Commission was able to concentrate its security and surveillance efforts on particular locations because to the polls’ phased conduct, which reduced the likelihood of violence.More significantly, observers from both domestic and foreign countries saw the elections as genuine. Local political groups fought hard but peacefully, including the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Conference. Kashmir’s elections were free from mass boycotts, voter intimidation, and large-scale violence for the first time in a long time.

The peaceful conduct of the 2008 elections had a profound impact on the people of Kashmir. It demonstrated that political power could be achieved through the ballot box rather than the bullet. It also strengthened the credibility of the Indian democratic system in the eyes of many Kashmiris, who had previously been skeptical of its legitimacy.

The fact that more women and members of underprivileged communities participated in these peaceful elections was one of the biggest developments. Women in Kashmir have always been excluded from the political process because of current security conditions as well as cultural restrictions. Nonetheless, more women started to cast ballots as a result of the decline in violence and the civil society organizations’ encouragement of voting. The electoral participation of women signified a larger change in Kashmiri culture. It demonstrated a growing understanding that social and economic advancements may result from political empowerment. As women got increasingly active in the political process, their concerns—ranging from education and healthcare to work and security—began to be addressed by local politicians.

The smooth holding of elections in Kashmir has far-reaching implications for the region. First and foremost, it has helped to shift public opinion of elections as violent and corrupt. Many people now see elections as a way to bring about serious political change and address the problems of ordinary Kashmiris.The reduction in violence during elections has also contributed to overall feeling of calm.

Furthermore, the achievement of free and fair elections in Kashmir has served as a model for other states in India and beyond. It has proved that even in places with a history of insurgency and political instability, democratic processes can take root and flourish if performed honestly and with active participation of civil society

While the peaceful conduct of elections in Kashmir is undoubtedly a positive development, challenges. Despite these hurdles, the experience with peaceful elections in Kashmir provides optimism for the future. It demonstrates that with the correct combination of electoral reforms, security measures, and public involvement, even the most tough polulation can participate in democratic elections.

The transformation from violent, manipulated elections to free and fair ones in Kashmir marks a fundamental shift in the political environment of J&K . It has altered Kashmiris’ perceptions of elections, providing a peaceful alternative. This shift has not only increased the legitimacy of democratic processes in the area, but it has also established the groundwork for a more stable and prosperous future., Muhammadmuslimbhat@gmail.com