Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir), September 25: A high-level delegation of senior diplomats from 15 countries has witnessed the festival of democracy in Jammu and Kashmir today.
They had arrived in polling booths including Srinagar and Budgam on Wednesday to witness the polling process in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Ministry of External Affairs has invited these diplomats from around 15 countries, including United States, Mexico, Guyana, South Korea, Somalia, Panama, Singapore, Nigeria, Spain, South Africa, Norway, Tanzania, Rwanda, Algeria, and Philippines.
During their visit to the polling booth, the diplomats interacted with the people and voters. The diplomats are very much excited and happy interacting with voters in Jammu and Kashmir valley.
They have also visited several pink polling stations which are entirely managed by women and aim 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 organising this trip.
One of visiting said "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..."
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.
