50.79 lakh voters, 31,182 seats: State set for one of its biggest grassroots elections
Shimla – The Himachal Pradesh State Election Commission on Tuesday announced the schedule for Panchayat elections across Himachal Pradesh, setting the stage for a two-phase polling exercise on May 26 and May 28. With the announcement, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into immediate effect across the state.
State Election Commissioner Anil Khachi announced in a press conference in Shimla. He said elections will be conducted for a total of 31,182 seats in Panchayati Raj Institutions, with counting to be carried out in two stages after polling concludes.
As per the schedule, voting will take place in two phases, while results will be declared after counting votes for the posts of Pradhan, Up-Pradhan, and Panchayat Members. Videography will be ensured at all polling stations to maintain transparency.
The state has a total electorate of over 50.79 lakh voters, including 25.67 lakh male and 25.11 lakh female voters. Around 21,678 polling stations will be set up, including one at a height of 4,587 metres, making it the highest polling station in the state. Notably, nearly 50,000 voters above the age of 85 are expected to participate in the democratic process.
In terms of representation, 15,656 posts have been reserved for women. Voters will use five different coloured ballot papers—light green for Pradhan, yellow for Up-Pradhan, white for Panchayat Member, pink for Panchayat Samiti, and light blue for Zila Parishad member. A paid holiday will be granted on polling days to ensure maximum participation.
Following the imposition of the MCC, the government has been barred from announcing new schemes, initiating recruitments, issuing tenders, or carrying out transfers, promotions, inaugurations, and foundation-laying ceremonies. The code aims to ensure a level playing field during the electoral process.
The Election Commission is working under the directive of the Supreme Court of India, which has mandated that Panchayat elections be completed before May 31. The process is being expedited to meet this deadline. Earlier, elections for urban local bodies were also announced, with polling scheduled for May 17 and May 22 in different areas.
The Commission has also issued strict guidelines regarding eligibility. Individuals dismissed from government service will not be allowed to contest, and their nominations will be cancelled if complaints are verified. Government employees are prohibited from acting as election agents, with violations punishable by up to three years of imprisonment. Those receiving honorariums from government bodies must resign before contesting elections.
There is no minimum educational qualification required to contest Panchayat elections, allowing wider participation at the grassroots level. Officials said the Model Code of Conduct, framed with the consensus of political parties, will be strictly enforced to ensure free and fair elections, in line with the constitutional mandate under Article 324.
