J-K voters are the man of the match: CEC

Attributing the unexpected high voter turnout to lack of fear factor and good weather, he said, "I think luck played a big role. There was less militancy and the weather was good."

The polls had witnessed an unexpected high voter turnout of 61.5 per cent despite a boycott call by separatists. An estimated 43 per cent of voters exercised their franchise in the 2002 elections.

"Given the fact that increase in voter turnout is about 15-20 per cent, it is because of no fear factor. The rest is because of bijli, sadak and pani," he said.

"Last one year, there has been lowering of militancy related actions and hence the fear factor was not there. No militant activity was the main reason for higher voter turnout," Gopalaswami said.

Gopalaswami, who had earlier expressed his reservation about holding the elections soon after the Amarnath land agitation, said, "I had certain reservations. Basically the political parties were clamoring for no elections ... they are not able to canvass. Moreover, during December end, weather can be complicated and tricky."

He said another important part of the election that he repeatedly emphasised during his meeting with police and civil administration was that no one should be forced to vote.

"I remember telling the DCs that some part of the problem after 1987 was that free and fair election was not held," he said.

Responding to a question about why the elections were held in December than later, he said "unless there is an act of God to prevent elections, we had six months with us and we had to do it."