The recent phase of the Parliament elections has once again highlighted the significant issues that Kashmiri Pandit (KP) voters face, particularly those residing in Jammu. The enthusiasm of these voters, determined to participate in the democratic process, was met with a series of administrative challenges that cast a shadow over their electoral experience. One of the primary concerns raised by KP voters was the lack of proper management at the polling stations. Many voters faced the frustration of finding their names missing from the voter lists despite standing in line for hours under the scorching sun. This problem was reported in many places, pointing to systemic inefficiencies that need urgent rectification. Despite possessing voter ID cards and having filled out the required M-Forms, many KP voters were unable to exercise their right to vote. This indicates a significant gap in electoral roll management and highlights the need for more robust mechanisms to ensure that all eligible voters are accurately listed. The net result of these lapses was low KP voter turnout at Jammu. The emotional toll of these administrative lapses cannot be underestimated, as many voters were left feeling disenfranchised and ignored.
The modifications were made to the voter rolls as per instructions from the ECI, which included the preparation of a draft roll from the actual roll. While these changes were intended to improve the process, the resulting confusion suggests that the communication and implementation of these modifications need to be more transparent and accessible to the voters. Amidst these challenges, it is heartening to see the resilience and determination of first-time voters, who, despite the chaos, were enthusiastic about their participation. Their optimism underscores their enduring faith in the democratic process, even when the system falters. The most important aspect is ensuring the voting rights of the already-displaced KP community. The integrity of the electoral process depends on every citizen’s ability to participate fully and fairly, and it is the responsibility of the authorities to make this a reality.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
