Srinagar

A delegation of diplomats from 15 countries visited different polling booths including Budgam and Srinagar in Kashmir on Wednesday as they arrived in Srinagar to witness the polling process in the second phase of Legislative Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

The delegation visited polling stations in Ompora (Budgam), followed by stops at Amira Kadal and SP College, Chinar Bagh, within the Lal Chowk in Srinagar. The delegates also visited a special pink polling station, managed by women at SP College, Srinagar. Several such polling stations had witnessed very low voter turnout during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

World delegates pose in front of the Pink Polling Booth

The diplomats have been invited by the Ministry of External Affairs to witness the elections in Jammu and Kashmir, The delegates are from the United States, Mexico, Guyana, South Korea, Somalia, Panama, Singapore, Nigeria, Spain, South Africa, Norway, Tanzania, Rwanda, Algeria, and the Philippines.

The senior diplomats, during their visit to the polling booth, interacted with the officials and voters.

They expressed their joy to see a large number of people at the polling stations.

South African diplomat Lara Swart said, "I think we are from 15 countries. It is the first time that I have visited Jammu and Kashmir. It is really a privilege to be invited by the Ministry of External Affairs to come and visit the polling stations."

A diplomat from Rwanda said, "I think it's really good. Well organized. We had a very good explanation of how things are going on...The organization is smooth and we are told that it (voting) started at 7 am and will go on till 6 pm...They are expecting everyone to come in and vote..."

A diplomat from Norway said, "It's very good. This is my first time in Srinagar. It's very important to visit the different states and territories and of course talk to the people."

Deo, a Tanzanian diplomat conveyed that he had never seen such kind of practice before. Furthermore, he expressed surprise to know about the concept of the pink booth.

"What I see is that people are excited to vote and they are bringing children with them so that they can learn what the democratic process is...I have never seen this kind of practice before, this is my first time. So, it is so fine," the Tanzanian diplomat said.

A delegate posing at the selfie stand at Budgam, Srinagar

The pink polling station is entirely managed by women and aims to create a welcoming environment and encourage greater female participation in the electoral process.

A diplomat from the Singapore High Commission said that the electoral process of India is similar to that of Singapore and thanked the Ministry of External Affairs for organizing this trip.

Alice Cheng, said, "The organization is very similar to the Singapore where you use government buildings to make it accessible for people. I thank MEA for organizing this trip for us to come and witness the polling process."

After observing the electoral process in J-K, Lim Sang Woo, DCM of the South Korean Embassy said that his experience was really "very impressive" and this is how democracy works.

"I am here for the first time. It is very beautiful. It is wonderful to be amongst the people who are here to cast a vote. I see a vibrant enthusiasm and this is democracy working. So, congratulations. It is well organized. I was happy to see little kids with their parents...I think they are here to learn from their parents how democracy works. That was impressive..." he said.

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Voting for the second phase of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir began at 7 am on Wednesday. Over 25 lakh eligible voters will seal the fate of 239 candidates across 26 constituencies in six districts of the Union Territory. In this phase, 25,78,099 lakh voters are eligible to cast their ballot, comprising 13,12,730 lakh male voters, 12,65,316 lakh female voters, and 53 third-gender voters. The last phase of polls will be held on October 1 and counting of votes will be held on October 8.