India-occupied Kashmir (IoK) voted on Tuesday in the final round of elections.
Elections are conducting in Kashmir to choose its first government since the territory came under New Delhi’s direct control.
In 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government removed Kahmir’s partial autonomy. This decision resulted in massive arrests and a long communication blackout.Since then, the territory has been ruled by a governor appointed by the federal government.
More than half a million Indian troops are stationed in IoK on election day. Soldiers are guarded in all polling stations, especially in Baramulla district.
In the first two rounds of voting, over 55% of eligible voters participated. Previous elections saw lower turnouts due to boycotts by Kashmiri fighters seeking self-determination.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claims that the 2019 changes have brought peace and economic growth to IoK. However, local political parties argue that the security measures have severely restricted civil rights.
The region has two distinct parts: the mostly Muslim Kashmir Valley and the Hindu-majority Jammu. The BJP has candidates in all Jammu constituencies but only contests about a third of the seats in other areas.
Regardless of the election results, key decisions about IoK will still rest with Delhi. Modi’s government can use its majority to override any laws passed by the 90-seat assembly.
