The third and final phase of polling in Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled for Tuesday, with 40 constituencies — 24 in Jammu and 16 in Kashmir — ready for voters. The election is significant as it is the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which revoked the region’s special status. It also represents the first state election in more than a decade, raising the political stakes.

The campaign ends as larger parties form.

Political parties campaigned vigorously in the election. The National Conference (NC) and the Congress have formed a joint alliance, while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are contesting the elections separately. Leaders of all major parties are on the ground addressing important issues like Pakistan’s role, Article 370, terrorism, and reservation policies.

Prominent political figures including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti came to mobilize voters ahead of this crucial phase of voting. Led the rallies.

Issues at the forefront of the campaign

Throughout the campaign, several core themes dominated the debate, particularly Pakistan, terrorism, and the implications of Article 370 abrogation. The parties have debated these issues extensively, with the BJP, NC, PDP, and Congress taking a hard line on the future of governance in the region. Reservation policies and community participation have also been important issues during the election season.

More than 20,000 polling staff deployed

For this final phase, authorities have set up a comprehensive electoral system, deploying more than 20,000 polling staff in seven districts. The final phase will decide the fate of 415 candidates, including former deputy chief minister Tara Chand and Muzaffar Baig.

Inclusion of marginalized communities

The most notable development in this election is the inclusion of communities that were previously excluded from the electoral process. After the abrogation of Article 370, communities such as West Pakistani refugees, the Valmiki Samaj, and the Gurkha community have been given the right to participate in state, urban local bodies, and panchayat elections. His participation in this important election reflects the change in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.

What’s at stake?

With the final phase concluding on Tuesday, the outcome will set the stage for future governance in Jammu and Kashmir. The stakes are particularly high for the candidates involved, as the election will likely shape the political narrative in the region for years to come. All eyes are on the electoral process as it draws to a close, a historic moment for both voters and political parties in the region.