The opposition parties National Conference and Congress have, according to the election commission, secured 47 out of 90 seats in the local government in Kashmir, and are expected to form an alliance and establish a regional government.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government revoked the autonomy of the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir in 2019, a controversial decision that led to widespread protests and mass arrests. Since then, the region with around 12 million inhabitants has not had an elected regional government, but has been governed by a governor appointed by Modi's government.
Tuesday's election was the first local election in the mountain region since 2014.
Kashmir has been a point of contention between the nuclear powers India and Pakistan for decades.
According to critics, the new local government will only have symbolic power over education and culture. New Delhi will continue to appoint a governor and be able to make legislative decisions in the region.
