Campaigning for the first phase of elections to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in Himachal ended on Sunday. In the first of the three-phased elections, polling will be held in 1,293 gram panchayats on May 26. As per the State Election Commission, all polling parties have departed for their polling stations and will reach there this evening.
Overall, elections will be held in 3,745 gram panchayats in three phases on May 26, 28 and 30. Voting will be held from 7 am to 3 pm through ballot papers. Each voter will cast five votes, one each for choosing a ward member, vice-pradhan, pradhan, Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad member.
According to the commission, a total of 21,678 polling stations have been set up in the state. Out of these, 16,539 polling stations have been declared normal, 3,554 sensitive, and 1,585 highly sensitive.
Besides, one auxiliary polling station in district Hamirpur and two auxiliary polling stations in district Kangra have been set up. A total of 8,198 polling parties have been formed for the election.
The Commission has appealed to the voters to exercise their right to vote freely and without fear and to stay away from any kind of inducement. The Commission has also made it clear that only those voters whose names are included in the voter list of that polling station will be allowed to enter the polling station. Apart from voters, only those persons authorised by the State Election Commission, District Election Officer, Returning Officer, or Presiding Officer may enter the polling station. The Commission has appealed to the voters to leave the polling station immediately after casting their vote.
For a total of 31,182 posts, 86,204 candidates submitted nomination papers. A total of 742 nomination papers were rejected at the scrutiny. Following the withdrawal of nominations, 10,854 office-bearers were elected unopposed.
