New Delhi

Delhi-based Diplomats representing 15 countries who were in Srinagar and around on the day Kashmiris were voting in the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections expressed satisfaction over the conduct of the elections. At the same time, some found it akin to the one in their country.

A diplomat interacting with rural women of Kashmir

Voting was held for 26 seats in six districts in the second phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The Ministry of External Affairs had invited diplomats from 16 countries -United States, Mexico, Guyana, South Korea, Somalia, Panama, Singapore, Nigeria, Spain, South Africa, Norway, Tanzania, Rwanda, Algeria, and the Philippines to witness the electoral process in J&K.

Wherever the foreign dignitaries went, they were not only accorded a warm welcome but also met and interacted with voters and shared their experiences.

A diplomat speaking with voters

The US Deputy Chief of Mission in Delhi, Jorgan Andrews told local media, "The voting process appeared healthy and democratic and very professional."

He said, "It was a great experience to see the enthusiasm. It was a great feeling to see Kashmiris voting after a gap of 10 years. We are also very excited to see the results."

A group photo with voting staff and officials outside the polling booth.

They also interacted with the senior administrators to understand the election process in J&K.

The American diplomat likened the process in Kashmir to his country and said, "In our country too, schools are used for voting."

Diplomats interacting with officials

A diplomat from Panama said she was excited to see a lot of women coming to cast their votes. The delegation visited the Pink Booth which is run by women officials and is specifically meant for women voters.

South Korean diplomat Sang Woo Lim also liked the idea of ​​Pink Booths.

Interaction with media persons

He said, “I have come to Kashmir for the first time. I am happy to be here as a part of the delegation of the Ministry of External Affairs. I saw that this is a beautiful place. The people are very nice. It was special to see how democracy works."

A diplomat clicking picture at a polling booth

Foreign guests presenting their views on Kashmir elections to the media

The idea of the Pink Booth is very simple. It is a great way to attract more people to vote. Cheng Wei Wei Ellis, Deputy Chief of Mission of Singapore in Delhi, said it was wonderful to be part of the delegation observing voting here.

A diplomat posing for a photo outside Pink Booth in Budgam

The delegation showed interest in talking to women voters

He said, "I am glad that all the voters came out. It is wonderful to see this. The process is similar to the elections we conduct in Singapore. We use government buildings as polling stations for its easy accessibility to voters."

Diplomats going through candidate list at a Srinagar booth

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Ellis said the delegates were “grateful to the Ministry of External Affairs for organizing this visit and allowing us to visit polling stations.” Members of the foreign delegation understand the booth arrangements from a list posted on a booth wall.