The Himachal Pradesh State Election Commission announced on Tuesday that elections to panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) will be conducted from May 26 to 30. Voting for 31,182 posts across gram panchayats, panchayat samitis, and zila parishads will occur in three phases on May 26, 28, and 30, according to the poll body.
Counting and Model Code of Conduct
Counting for 3,754 gram panchayats will take place immediately after polling, while votes for panchayat samitis and zila parishads will be counted on May 31. With the election announcement, the model code of conduct came into force. State Election Commissioner Anil Kumar Khachi stated that the schedule does not apply to four gram panchayats in Kullu district—Karjan and Soyel in Naggar block, and Jaban and Namhog in Anni block—as their terms end in February 2027. However, elections for panchayat samiti and zila parishad members in these areas will proceed as scheduled.
Voter Demographics and Polling Stations
Himachal Pradesh has 50.79 lakh registered voters: 25.67 lakh men, 25.11 lakh women, and 29 others. A total of 52,349 voters aged 18 will vote for the first time. Bhatavali gram panchayat in Paonta Sahib block, Sirmaur district, has the highest number of voters at 4,623, while Sumra in Pooh block, Kinnaur district, has the lowest at 178. The commission has set up 21,678 polling stations and directed officials to establish auxiliary booths where turnout is expected to be high. Separate polling arrangements for men and women may also be made. The highest polling station, at an altitude of 4,587 meters, is at Komik in Lahaul and Spiti district.
Nomination Process and Polling Details
Candidates can file nomination papers on May 7, 8, and 12. Scrutiny will be on May 12, and withdrawals on May 14 and 15. Polling will use ballot papers, with 60 lakh printed in different colors for different posts. Candidates must maintain expenditure records, with a maximum limit of Rs 1 lakh for zila parishad members. Videography of vote counting will be conducted, and webcasting arrangements at sensitive centers have been directed. The sale of liquor will be prohibited 48 hours before polling, on voting day, and on counting day. The commission urged voters to participate actively and vote without fear.
