India is preparing to hold elections in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18, 2024, marking the first polls since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. This move has sparked discussions about the region's political status and electoral history.
The Indian government's decision to abolish Jammu and Kashmir's special status in 2019 by revoking Article 370 significantly altered the region's autonomy. Critics argue this action removed the right to self-determination for Kashmiris.
India, which claims to be the world's largest democracy, has a complex history of elections in Jammu and Kashmir. From 1951 to 2019, elections in the region have faced accusations of irregularities and lack of transparency from political opponents and analysts within India.
Currently, there is a significant military presence in the region, with reports suggesting around 800,000 Indian troops stationed there.
The upcoming elections are viewed by some as an attempt by the Indian government to demonstrate normalcy in the region to the international community. However, concerns remain about the electoral process and its implications for the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
Western countries, known for advocating democracy, are being called upon by critics to take action against what they perceive as the erosion of democratic values in the region.
