India allowed foreign diplomats from 15 countries to observe local elections in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, marking the first such invitation in the disputed Himalayan territory in a decade. This move by New Delhi highlights the significance of the vote, which is the first in the region since 2014.
More than 9 million voters are eligible to choose members for the region’s 90-seat legislature in a three-phase election. Wednesday marked the second phase of voting. The diplomatic delegation included representatives from embassies of the United States, Mexico, Singapore, Spain, and South Korea, among others, according to officials in Srinagar and New Delhi.
Jorgan K Andrews, deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy, described the experience as a “rare opportunity,” noting that the process appeared smooth and professional.
This election is particularly significant as it follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government’s 2019 decision to strip Jammu and Kashmir of its special semi-autonomous status. The BJP-led government argues this move has helped restore normalcy and boost development in the region.
Jammu and Kashmir, India’s only Muslim-majority territory, has been at the center of a longstanding dispute with neighboring Pakistan since 1947. Both countries claim Kashmir in full but rule it in part, having fought two of their three wars over the region. The area has also been affected by an insurgency that began in 1989, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths, though violence has largely subsided in recent years.
The invitation to foreign diplomats has drawn criticism from Modi’s opponents. Omar Abdullah, leader of the local National Conference party, questioned the need for foreign observers, stating, “Jammu and Kashmir elections are an internal matter for us and we do not need their certificate.”
Historically, pro-independence militants have targeted elections in Kashmir, leading to generally low voter turnout. However, the territory recorded its highest turnout in 35 years during national elections held in April and May, with a 58.46% participation rate.
As the election proceeds, it remains a focal point of international attention, reflecting the complex political dynamics in the region and India’s efforts to showcase democratic processes in the disputed territory.
