The second phase of panchayati raj elections in Himachal Pradesh is set to take place on Thursday, with voting scheduled across 1,276 panchayats. The campaigning for this phase concluded on Tuesday evening, clearing the way for polling from 7 am to 3 pm on Thursday.
Voter Turnout and Eligibility
Approximately 18 lakh voters are eligible to cast their ballots in 7,334 wards spread across the state. The first phase of polling, conducted on Tuesday, recorded an overall voter turnout of 78.8 percent, indicating strong public participation.
Counting and Results
Counting of votes for gram panchayat members, pradhan, and up-pradhan posts will take place on the same evening. These elections use colour-coded ballot papers. However, results for zila parishad and panchayat samiti wards across all three phases will be declared on May 31.
Third Phase and Security Measures
The third and final phase of voting is scheduled for May 30 in the remaining panchayats. The state election commission has directed officials deployed on election duty to remain extra vigilant. Strict action will be taken against any negligence or lapse in the election process. Additional police personnel have been deployed at sensitive and highly sensitive polling stations to ensure peaceful voting.
