SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh is set for a fresh round of grassroots elections, with the State Election Commission announcing the full schedule and enforcing the Model Code of Conduct with immediate effect.
Addressing a press conference, State Election Commissioner Anil Khachi said the notification for the Panchayat elections will be issued on April 29. “With this, the Model Code of Conduct comes into force across the state,” he said, adding that all administrative machinery has been put on alert to ensure free and fair polls.
As per the schedule, nominations will be filed on May 5, 8 and 11, followed by scrutiny on May 12. Candidates can withdraw their nominations on May 14 and 15, while election symbols will be allotted on May 15.
Notably, the elections will not be fought on party symbols, keeping the process strictly non-partisan at the grassroots level.
The list of polling stations will be published on May 7. Voting will be conducted in three phases — May 26, May 28 and May 30.
Counting for Pradhan, UpPradhan and ward members will take place on the same day as polling, while counting for Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad members will be held on May 31.
Khachi stressed that strict compliance with the Model Code will be ensured. “Any violation will invite immediate action. The administration has been directed to maintain neutrality and transparency throughout the election process,” he said.
With dates now locked, the political buzz has shifted to villages, even as official lines remain clear — no party banners, no symbols, just local democracy at work.
