Election Commission announced Friday (August 17, 2024) morning that a press conference will be held at 3 PM where the commission will announce the schedule of ‘General Election to Legislative Assemblies.’ The EC has not spelled out the states, but in all likelihood, the dates would be relatable to elections in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir.

The term of the Haryana Assembly ends in November, while the Supreme Court during the hearing has reiterated that the elections to Jammu and Kashmir be conducted by September 30, 2024. With the passing of five years, Jammu and Kashmir has been devoid of an elected legislature.

Historically, over the last three election cycles since 2009, the elections together have been conducted by the EC, as their assembly terms end within a month of each other. There is a precedent for separating elections that can be held along traditional simultaneous elections, and that might be the case this time as well.

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EC Gears Up for Crucial J&K, Haryana Elections

It was reported that the EC is likely to schedule the elections of J&K and Haryana together, through its recent visits in both the areas to take stock of preparations. Sources said polls could be held in October or November, which could be spread over six or seven phases. This ends years of speculation and sees political parties prepare for what could be a huge electoral exercise.

The timing of the elections is crucial, considering the political dynamics of the region and the requirement that the process of voting be free, fair, and safe. The timetable is proposed to coincide with the conclusion of the annual Amarnath Yatra with somewhat better weather, while a phased arrangement would also help in handling security and logistical concerns in the Union Territory.

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