The political landscape of Pune is set for a significant event as the city prepares for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections on January 15, 2026. These crucial civic polls, delayed since 2022, will determine the leadership of Maharashtra's largest municipal body by area for the next term. With 165 seats up for grabs across the city's administrative wards, understanding voter eligibility and the new political dynamics is essential for every Punekar.
Who Can Vote in the 2026 PMC Elections?
To exercise your democratic right in the upcoming municipal elections, you must meet specific criteria. The voter must be an Indian citizen who is 18 years of age or older. Crucially, the individual must be a resident within the official limits of Pune city. The most critical requirement is that the voter's name must be listed in the official electoral roll for the specific ward where they currently reside.
This is particularly important for new residents or those who have moved localities within Pune. If you have recently relocated, you must update your residential address in the electoral roll to be eligible to vote in your new ward. The last PMC election was held in 2017, and the elected body's five-year term concluded in 2022. The polls were postponed to 2026 due to reservation-related issues that were under litigation in the Supreme Court.
How to Check Your Name on the Voter List
Verifying your enrollment is a simple online process. Eligible voters should visit the official Election Commission website at electoralsearch.eci.gov.in. The portal offers three convenient methods to search for your details in the electoral roll:
- Search by EPIC Number: Enter your Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) number and select Maharashtra as the state.
- Search by Details: Fill in your personal information, including your full name, your father's or spouse's name, your date of birth, and select the state and district (Pune).
- Search by Mobile: Use your registered mobile number to receive a One-Time Password (OTP) for verification and access.
For citizens who need to update their address, the process must be completed online at voters.eci.gov.in by selecting and submitting Form 8. Ensuring your details are correct ahead of the January 15 poll date is vital.
Shifting Alliances and the Electoral Contest
The road to the 2026 PMC elections is witnessing intriguing political realignments. In a significant development, the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) – one led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and the other by his uncle Sharad Pawar and sister Supriya Sule – have announced a pre-poll alliance. The parties recently held a joint press conference, with Ajit Pawar and Supriya Sule sharing the stage to unveil a common manifesto.
This alliance was reportedly spurred by the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) decision to contest the municipal polls only in alliance with the Shiv Sena, despite Ajit Pawar's NCP being part of the ruling coalition at the state level. This complex web of alliances sets the stage for a highly competitive election for control of the 165-seat PMC house, alongside polls in 28 other civic bodies across Maharashtra.
As the election date approaches, voters are encouraged to verify their registration, understand the candidates in their ward, and participate in shaping the future of Pune's civic governance.
