Second Phase of Jammu and Kashmir Elections Announced

The Election Commission of India has announced the second phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, with polling set for September 25 for 26 seats. Candidates must submit their nomination papers by September 5, with scrutiny on September 6 and the option to withdraw nominations until September 9. Voting will occur from 7 AM to 6 PM, and results will be available on October 4. This is the first assembly election since the abrogation of Article 370, and multi-cornered contests are anticipated. The last assembly election saw significant victories for the PDP and BJP, but the political landscape may shift this time. The announcement was formalized by BC Patra, Secretary of the Election Commission, on August 29.