The stage is set for the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections in the Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency, scheduled for May 20.
Approximately 17,37,865 electorates across the four districts of Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, and parts of Budgam are expected to cast their ballots at 2,103 polling stations established for this phase. The electorate comprises 8,75,831 male voters, 8,62,000 female voters, and 34 third-gender voters. Additionally, 17,128 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and 527 centenarians will exercise their franchise in this phase.
Aiming to facilitate voters, the election authorities have taken various measures. Every polling station will provide Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs), including drinking water, electricity, toilets, ramps, furniture, and verandahs/sheds. Wheelchairs will also be available for those in need.
The ballot units will feature a list of contesting candidates in Braille script, and separate queues will be arranged for senior citizens and specially-abled persons. Voter help desks, manned by Booth Level Officers (BLOs), will be set up at each polling station.
In a bid to raise awareness and encourage voter participation, the Election Commission has established 18 polling booths managed by women (pink polling stations), 17 by specially-abled persons, and 18 by youths. Additionally, 21 green polling stations will promote environmental concerns.
Voters have been provided with voter information slips containing polling station details, serial numbers, and QR codes, but not photographs. The Voter Helpline App (VHA) will also assist voters in locating their polling stations and accessing other relevant information.
To facilitate voter identification, 12 types of documents, including Aadhaar cards, job cards, passbooks, health insurance smart cards, driving licenses, PAN cards, and unique disability ID cards, will be accepted in addition to the Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC).
The election authorities have deployed over 8,000 polling staff, including reserves, and established 28 border polling stations in Kupwara and Baramulla districts. Comprehensive security measures have been put in place, with live webcasting from all polling stations and the establishment of Integrated Command and Control Rooms for round-the-clock monitoring.
Special arrangements, such as satellite phones, wireless sets, and special runners, have been made for polling stations in communication shadow areas. Furthermore, the Election Commission has established 26 Special Polling Stations for Kashmiri Migrant voters, with 21 in Jammu, 4 in Delhi, and 1 in Udhampur district. The public campaigning in the Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency concluded at 6 PM on May 18, 48 hours before the elections, to provide voters with a peaceful period to make an informed decision.
With various measures in place to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process, the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections in the Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency is poised to witness a higher voter turnout than the previous election.
