The decade-long wait for the Assembly polls is finally over, with the Election Commission announcing a three-phase polling schedule for Jammu & Kashmir. The last Assembly elections were held there in 2014. Ever since the abrogation of Article 370, ending the special status to J&K and its bifurcation into two Union Territories, the people of the trouble-torn region have been waiting for the assembly elections. The challenge before the Election Commission now is to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls. The recent spurt in terrorist attacks, particularly in the Jammu region, has thrown up a big challenge for the authorities. Terrorists have changed tack in recent times: they are targeting Hindu-dominated areas, while Muslim-majority Kashmir is no longer the epicenter of turbulence. Given this shift, there is greater pressure on the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre to ensure peaceful campaigning and polling. Elements inimical to India will try to disrupt the proceedings. The key is to create an environment conducive for the voter to come out and vote without fear. The delimitation exercise necessitated by the reorganization has altered the electoral landscape, with the Jammu region’s seat count rising significantly from 37 to 43, while the number of Assembly constituencies in Kashmir has gone up from 46 to 47. This will have a bearing on the election outcome and the alliances. There are four mainstream political parties – the Congress, BJP, National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party – in the fray. The voters will have to choose from these parties. Some independent and small valley-based parties are also expected to fight the election. One can only hope that the election is conducted peacefully and a new elected government is formed at the earliest.