A total of 79,676 candidates have filed nomination papers for the upcoming three-tier Panchayati Raj elections in Himachal Pradesh, with 37,114 nominations submitted on the final day of filing. The figure is expected to rise further as nomination data from the tribal Pangi block in Chamba district is yet to be compiled.
Kangra district recorded the highest number of nominations, with 14,590 candidates contesting for gram panchayat, panchayat samiti and zila parishad seats. In contrast, the fewest nominations were filed in Lahaul and Spiti district, where 493 candidates entered the electoral fray.
The nomination process was conducted over three days. On May 7, as many as 16,891 candidates filed their papers, followed by 25,671 nominations on May 8, while the highest single-day count of 37,114 was recorded on the concluding day.
Scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on May 12, while candidates can withdraw their nominations till May 15. Election symbols will be allotted immediately after the withdrawal process concludes. Polling for the Panchayati Raj elections will be held in three phases on May 26, 28 and 30.
