Kashmiris in Indian-administered Kashmir are gearing up to vote in local elections for the first time in a decade, five years after the region’s legislature was suspended and brought directly under New Delhi’s rule. The elections come after New Delhi expanded the powers of its administrator in the region, drawing criticism from mainstream political parties as well as opposition groups. The election, scheduled to be held in three phases starting on September 18, is seen as a referendum on India’s decision to revoke the region’s autonomy in 2019.
The main players in the elections are the National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party, with the former promising to fight for the restoration of the region’s special status. The ruling BJP, which has a strong presence in the Hindu-majority Jammu region, is hoping for a strong showing in the elections. However, accusations of gerrymandering electoral constituencies on communal lines have been raised, with critics saying this could impact the outcome of the elections.
The significance of the elections lies not only in addressing the region’s issues such as unemployment and human rights violations, but also in demonstrating “normalcy” in the region after the controversial changes in 2019. Kashmiris, while hoping for change through the elections, also express skepticism over politicians’ ability to bring about meaningful change. Despite challenges, the elections could potentially pave the way for a new phase in the region’s political landscape.
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