More than 340 thousand voters will cast their votes for the first time. Syed Batool Andrabi talks to some of the first-timers to understand their thought process
An intense feeling of expectations fills the air as the Kashmir region prepares for polling, for the first time after the 2014 fall. The last assembly election resulted in the BJPDP coalition that fell under its own weight in the summer of 2018. The 2019 Lok Sabha were a lacklustre exercise. Years passed and the situation shifted.
Kids of 2018 are grown up now. Their transition took place amidst the backdrop of political turbulence and uncertainty. Now, they will be exercising their right for the first time. Jammu and Kashmir has more than 3.4 lakh first voters, of whom Srinagar which goes to polls on May 13, has 86,394.
The New Generation
It is the new generation. For many of them, who were mere teenagers during the last elections, this will be their inaugural venture into the democratic process. The prospect of casting the first vote fills them with a sense of responsibility and agency, as they prepare to participate in shaping the future of their region.
Given the fact that the stakes are immensely significant, first-time voters are a mixed bag as far as their first vote goes.
North Kashmir
In Baramulla, Roohul is one of these voters. He is a student.”We should view elections from a development perspective. While some sectors have seen progress, others lack development. Voting can help us address these issues, like the unemployment crisis and industrial development,” Roohul said. “We shouldn’t engage in destructive politics; instead, we should focus on constructive politics. As youth, we have a responsibility to initiate and work towards positive change.”
“I fervently hope that this election will herald a new era of prosperity and stability for Kashmir,” Aisha, a 23-year-old teacher from Bandipora, said. “But irrespective of the outcome, I am committed to working towards a brighter future for our homeland.”
For some, this election is not merely about exercising their democratic rights. It is more about seizing the reins of destiny and steering Kashmir towards a brighter and more hopeful future.
“Every election is important for every individual,” Aijaz in Kupwara said. “The youth understand who is capable of bringing change. Show your contribution to the people, don’t just blame others. Focus on what you can do.”
Dr Javiad Rasool, 23, is also from Kupwara. “I don’t support voting because our leaders have often neglected the interests of the people. We must question our elected leaders’ actions, such as the recent incident in Gangbal,” he said. “Kashmiris should ask themselves why do we need to vote … we all have problems with the system, but democracy has a power, if you don’t want to choose a person, choose NOTA option.”
In Budgam, Irfana Bashir said as a well-read first-time voter, he finds myself questioning the discrepancies between political promises and actions, realizing the complexity and urgency of holding elected officials accountable. “Observing the gap between campaign rhetoric and actual governance highlights the necessity for informed and vigilant citizenship.”
Central Kashmir
The pre-2019 Srinagar constituency has always remained a low turnout area. Now, too many better-voting belts have been added to it and it is expected that it may improve its tally. One of the voters is going to be Zainab Shafi, 20.
“I want to vote for a candidate who will prioritise peace and reconciliation process,” she said. “Between the prevailing atmosphere of distrust and divisiveness, it’s difficult to figure out who truly has Kashmir’s best interests at heart.”
Saima Shaban lives in Ganderbal. “Being able to vote is not just a milestone; it’s a moment of empowerment,” she said. “It’s my chance to influence change, to shape policies that reflect my values and aspirations. Every vote counts, and I’m excited to make mine heard.” She insists that the vote is the power of every individual to make a difference and shape our destinies.
“Being a first-time voter, I am realising that the decisions made by politicians affect us more than I thought,” Faizan Fayaz, a student from Pulwama said. “It’s important to look beyond the flashy promises and understand what they really mean for our future.”
Altaf Ahmed, 21, is living in Shopian.: “Your representatives decide your future, and youth play a significant role in shaping it. With 1.8 crore first-time voters this time, this will showcase the power of democracy,” he said. “Democracy gives us the choice to choose the best. We must work for the individuality of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. No political party should ask for votes without a manifesto. We need to be wise enough to choose our representatives.”
South Kashmir
The segment that is linked with Rajouri and Poonch is polling in the fifth phase after the polling was rescheduled. “I feel a profound sense of duty towards Kashmir. I believe we as youth have a responsibility to choose someone to secure our future” Zubair Ahmed, a 22-year-old shopkeeper from Anantnag, said. “We have grown up witnessing the myriad challenges confronting Kashmir and now we finally have the opportunity to contribute towards positive change.”
A girl from Kulgam, Ambreen Khaliq, 19, said: “I want to see the change, as an individual who has been living in Kashmir for years I believe if we choose the right power to rule, we can see a change in the atmosphere of Kashmir”.
Umer is a student and lives in Kulgam. “Youth will come out in great numbers to vote. In 2019, only 13 per cent of voters turned out in Srinagar. When you allow 10 per cent of people to choose your fate, you end up ruining your future,” Umer said. “I urge young voters to vote for those who can truly support us.”
