The Uttarakhand Panchayat elections have been announced, and the Election Commissioner, Sushil Kumar, has released a detailed schedule for the preparations. The elections will be held in two phases across the state, encompassing elections for representatives from the village to the district level.
Dehradun: The announcement of the Panchayat elections, a crucial process for grassroots democracy in Uttarakhand, has been made. State Election Commissioner Sushil Kumar, on Friday, announced the dates for the 2025 Panchayat elections, stating that they will be conducted in two phases. With the formal announcement of the elections, the model code of conduct has been implemented across the state, leading to heightened election activity.
Positions up for Election
This election will see lakhs of voters across the state, from the village level to the Zilla Panchayat, electing their representatives. According to the data shared by the Election Commission:
- 74,499 Gram Pradhan (Village Head)
- 55,600 Gram Panchayat Members
- 2,974 Kshetra Panchayat Members
- 358 Zilla Panchayat Members
will be elected. Thousands of candidates are poised to contest these positions, and election-related activity is visible in villages across the state.
Election Schedule: What and When?
According to the schedule announced by the State Election Commission, the electoral process will proceed as follows:
- June 23: Detailed notification to be issued by the District Election Officer.
- June 25-28: Candidates can file their nomination papers.
- June 29 - July 1: Scrutiny of nomination papers.
- July 2: Last date for withdrawal of nominations.
Polling will be held in two phases
1. Phase One
- July 3: Allotment of election symbols
- July 10: Polling
2. Phase Two
- July 8: Allotment of election symbols
- July 15: Polling
- July 18: Counting of votes for both phases will be held simultaneously.
Model Code of Conduct Implemented Statewide
With the announcement of the elections, the model code of conduct has been implemented across the state. The State Election Commissioner has clearly stated that any attempt to influence the electoral process at any level will not be tolerated. The district administration and police department have been instructed to maintain law and order during the elections and prevent any irregularities.
The announcement of the election schedule has intensified political activity across the state. From tea shops to village gatherings, discussions about the Panchayat elections are prevalent in rural areas. Candidates have accelerated their campaigns, highlighting their achievements and future plans to attract voters. Many candidates have commenced door-to-door campaigns, seeking votes directly from residents.
