Foreign Diplomats Arrive in Srinagar to Observe J&K Assembly Elections

 

 

 

ANN News | Srinagar, Sept 25: A delegation of 20 diplomats from 16 foreign missions has arrived in Srinagar to observe the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections.

 

 

 

 

The diplomats, representing countries such as the US, EU, Russia, and Australia, are here at the invitation of the Indian government to witness the electoral process. This is a significant development, as it marks the first time foreign diplomats have been invited to observe elections in J&K since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

 

 

The delegation visited the districts of Budgam and parts of Srinagar, where they were greeted by large queues of voters eagerly awaiting their turn at the polls. In an exclusive interview with ANN News, the diplomats expressed their observations of the peaceful process and the high voter turnout.

 

 

 

 

“We are witnessing long lines of voters patiently waiting in queues to cast their ballots,” one diplomat shared.

 

 

 

 

The government has taken this opportunity to demonstrate the peaceful and transparent conduct of the elections, highlighting the “large-scale participation” of voters in the region. The diplomats will continue monitoring the voting process across various constituencies in both Srinagar and Budgam.

 

 

 

 

 

The delegation also includes four representatives from the Ministry of External Affairs, further emphasizing the importance of these elections to the Indian government, both domestically and internationally.

 

 

 

 

This observation by foreign diplomats is expected to have significant implications on global perceptions regarding Jammu and Kashmir’s current political situation and electoral integrity following the 2019 constitutional changes.