The second phase of Panchayati Raj Institution elections in Himachal Pradesh on May 28 saw a substantial voter turnout, with nearly 80 per cent participation across 1,276 Gram Panchayats. Polling was conducted peacefully from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM using ballot papers and boxes. Many voters, including first-time participants, women, and senior citizens formed long queues at polling centres since early morning. According to the State Election Commission, approximately 21.36 per cent of votes were cast within the initial two hours of polling.

State Election Commissioner Anil Kumar Khachi reported that voting remained peaceful throughout the day and the turnout was close to 80 per cent, surpassing the 76 per cent recorded during the second phase of the 2021 elections. A total of 17.30 lakh voters were eligible to participate, consisting of 8,74,416 men, 8,55,597 women, and 17 third-gender voters, of which around 13.74 lakh exercised their voting rights.

Women Voters Outperform Male Participation

Women voters played a pivotal role in this election, achieving a turnout of 82.76 per cent, exceeding the male turnout of 76.47 per cent in nine out of the twelve districts. Detailed statistics reveal that Kullu district recorded the highest female turnout at close to 86 per cent. In contrast, men outnumbered women in Lahaul-Spiti, Shimla, and Kinnaur districts, with male turnout figures of 70.88 per cent, 80.86 per cent, and 76.44 per cent respectively, as compared to women’s turnout of 67.88 per cent, 80.35 per cent, and 75.32 per cent.

Among the districts, Kullu achieved the highest overall polling at around 86 per cent, followed by Sirmaur at 85 per cent and Solan at 84 per cent. The tribal district of Lahaul-Spiti had the lowest turnout at approximately 69.38 per cent. Dhela Gram Panchayat in Nalagarh Development Block of Solan district reported the highest polling in the state at nearly 96 per cent.

Election Process and Future Steps

The ongoing elections will occur in three phases to elect a total of 31,182 representatives, including 3,754 Pradhans, 3,754 Up-Pradhans, 21,654 Ward Members, 1,769 Panchayat Samiti Members, and 251 Zila Parishad Members. As of this phase, 10,854 candidates have been elected unopposed. To facilitate the process, colour-coded ballot papers were used for different posts, which included white for Ward Members and blue for Zila Parishad Members.

The first phase, which took place on May 23, included 1,293 Gram Panchayats, with a turnout of 78.9 per cent. The final phase will occur on May 30 for the remaining 1,274 Gram Panchayats. Vote counting for the positions of Pradhan, Up-Pradhan, and Ward Members will begin immediately after polling, with results expected later that evening. Counting for 250 Zila Parishad wards and 1,684 Panchayat Samiti wards is set for May 31, with the results to be announced on the same day.

State Election Commission Secretary Surjit Singh Rathore confirmed the peaceful nature of the elections, including polling for Ward Number 2 of Samwal Panchayat in Chamba district, which had been postponed due to earlier issues. Political reactions to the elections have emerged, with former Union Minister Anurag Thakur expressing optimism about the BJP’s performance, while Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur critiqued the Congress government. A notable incident involved elderly voters, with a 116-year-old casting his vote and a 95-year-old travelling significant distances to exercise their franchise.

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