Voters queued outside polling stations in India's Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday to vote in the first provincial election being held in a decade in the Himalayan region that has grappled with years of militant violence.

The first phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, held on September 18, witnessed a remarkable voter turnout of approximately 58.85%

Following the Election Commission's announcement of polls in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time since 2014, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into effect. Jammu and Kashmir is voting in three phases—September 18, September 25, and October 1. Results will be declared on October 8.

In the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir’s assembly polls held on September 18, a voter turnout of over 61% was recorded, mirroring the 2014 elections. Kishtwar district led with an impressive 80% turnout.

Voters in Jammu and Kashmir participate in elections after a decade, expressing views on regional changes since 2019. Turnout and results may indicate public sentiment.

The candidate with the lowest declared assets is Independent Mohd Akram, contesting from the ST-reserved Surankote constituency, with assets worth just Rs 500.

As Jammu and Kashmir witnesses assembly elections for the first time after the abrogation of Article 370, here’s a recap of how national and regional political parties performed in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections since 1962.

India’s troubled region of Jammu and Kashmir saw a brisk turnout amid tight security as voters cast their ballots on Wednesday in the first regional legislative elections in a decade. The region, which has seen years of separatist violence and is at the centre of a dispute between India and Pakistan,