J-K: Centenarian cast first home vote in Srinagar

Representation Pic

A visually impaired 100-year-old man in the Meer Behreen region of Zadibal constituency, Dal Lake, Srinagar, used the 'home vote' initiative on Tuesday to exercise his right to vote from the comfort of his own home. This programme offers a doorstep voting service for the elderly and those with special needs.

Presiding officer Sharafat Ali Khan stated, "This is the first time we've permitted 'home voting'. It says volumes about democracy in India. Today, we are supporting three voters, including seniors and people with disabilities. Over the course of three days, we hope to assist 16 voters, reported ANI.

According to the report, he elaborated that the Government of India has provisioned for 'home voting', including in the upcoming general polling on May 13, specifically catering to senior citizens and physically disabled individuals. Khan emphasized that consent is obtained from eligible voters for 'home voting' arrangements.

"We have done it for the first time. This 'home voting' tells itself about the democracy in India. A few of the senior citizens, PwD voters are in Srinagar for whom this 'home voting' is being arranged. We are here for three votes that are to be cast today. In three days, we have to cast 16 votes," Sharafat Ali Khan said.

Khan, speaking on home voting feature said, "This provision has also been kept for the general polling on May 13. This provision has been kept for senior citizens and physically disabled persons. Consent had been taken for them from them for 'home voting' and based on that, we are doing it."

The introduction of the home voting facility by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections signifies a significant advancement in the electoral process, particularly benefiting those with physical challenges. Jammu and Kashmir comprises five Lok Sabha seats, with voting conducted in five phases, the report added.

However, voting for the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency in Jammu and Kashmir was rescheduled to Phase 6. The Election Commission of India postponed the polls originally scheduled for May 7 to May 25. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections span seven phases, from April 19 to June 1, with vote counting and result declaration set for June 4.

While voting for Udhampur and Jammu took place in the first two phases of the general elections on April 19 and 26 respectively, polling for the remaining seats, including Srinagar (May 13) and Baramulla (May 20), is scheduled accordingly.