“Why We Didn’t Vote in the Bypolls”: Srinagar Speaks Up

The Srinagar bypoll saw an abysmal 6.5% turnout, the worst poll figure in 30 years of the state’s electoral history.

Women coming out from a polling station after casting their vote for Srinagar Parliamentary constituency of Jammu and Kashmir at Budgam in Srinagar on Sunday. (Photo: PTI)

The bypolls held in Srinagar parliamentary constituency on Sunday saw an abysmal voter turnout – just 6.5 percent. This is the worst poll figure in 30 years of Jammu and Kashmir’s electoral history. Consequently, the Election Commission had to reorder polling in 36 booths – and postpone the bypoll for Anantnag’s parliamentary seat to 25 May.

On top of this, the voting was marred by fresh protests and violence in the Valley, with at least eight civilian killings. Even three days later, internet is still barred in some parts of the Valley.

Also Read: 6.5% Polling in Srinagar Lok Sabha Seat, Clashes Kill 8 in J&K

The Quint asked people in Srinagar why they decided not to exercise their franchise and skip the polling on Sunday.

(Photo: Akriti Paracer/The Quint)

(Photo: Akriti Paracer/The Quint)

Also Read: In Photos: 8 Deaths, Protests Cast Shadow Over Srinagar Bypolls

(Photo: Akriti Paracer/The Quint)

(Photo: Akriti Paracer/The Quint)

Also Read: Bullets, Blood, Boycott: How Kashmiri Media Read Srinagar Bypoll

(Photo: Akriti Paracer/The Quint)

(Photo: Akriti Paracer/The Quint)

Also Read: Srinagar Lok Sabha Bypoll: EC Orders Repoll in 38 Polling Stations