Shimla, April 28:
The Himachal Pradesh State Election Commission on Tuesday announced the schedule for Panchayati Raj elections, with polling to be conducted in three phases on May 26, May 28 and May 30 across the state.
The large-scale democratic exercise will see over 50.79 lakh voters casting their votes to elect representatives for 31,182 पंचायत पद.
Election Timeline
Notification: April 29
Nominations: May 7–11 (11 AM to 3 PM)
Scrutiny: May 12
Withdrawal: May 14–15
Polling:
Phase 1 – May 26
Phase 2 – May 28
Phase 3 – May 30
Counting:
Gram Panchayat – same day after polling
Panchayat Samiti & Zila Parishad – May 31
Massive Voter Base
The state has 50,79,048 registered voters, including:
25,67,770 Male
25,11,249 female
29 other
Kangra district has the highest voter base (11.9 lakh+), while Lahaul-Spiti has the lowest (~25,882).
Seats & Representation
Elections will be held for:
Pradhan – 3,754
Up-Pradhan – 3,754
Panchayat Members – 21,654
Panchayat Samiti Members – 1,769
Zila Parishad Members – 251
More than 15,000 seats are reserved for women, along with reservations for SC, ST and OBC categories.
Polling Arrangements
A total of 21,678 polling stations will be set up. Auxiliary polling stations will be created in areas with higher voter density. Separate arrangements for women voters and staff will be ensured wherever possible.
Notably, a polling station in Lahaul-Spiti (Kaza subdivision) will be set up at an altitude of 4,587 metres, among the highest in the state.
Ballot System
Voting will be conducted using traditional ballot papers with color coding:
White – Panchayat Member
Yellow – Up-Pradhan
Light Green – Pradhan
Pink – Panchayat Samiti
Light Blue – Zila Parishad
Guidelines & Restrictions
The Model Code of Conduct has come into force. The sale of liquor and intoxicants will be banned 48 hours before polling.
Voters must carry EPIC (Voter ID). In its absence, Aadhaar, driving licence, PAN card and other approved IDs will be accepted.
Digital Transparency
The Commission has introduced the DPMIS app for real-time candidate details, including affidavits and criminal records. Election expenses will be monitored via the CERS system.
The Commission has urged voters to participate actively and ensure free, fair and peaceful elections across Himachal Pradesh.
