Rajasthan is set to conduct its Panchayati Raj elections in 2026 across four phases, as declared by the State Election Commission on October 3. The elections will encompass a total of 41 Zila Parishads, 457 Panchayat Samitis, and 14,403 Gram Panchayats. Voting for Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti members will commence on October 23, followed by elections for the positions of Sarpanch and Ward Panchs, which will occur in subsequent phases beginning from October 25.

In terms of representation, a total of 1,403 members for Zila Parishads and 8,245 members for Panchayat Samitis will be elected. Additionally, there will be elections for 41 Zila Pramukhs and 457 Pradhans as part of this electoral process. The election process will initiate with the release of the election notice on October 8 for the first phase. Notices for the remaining phases will be issued on October 13, October 19, and October 31, respectively, thereby ensuring a structured timeline for the election announcements.

Voting Timetable and Nomination Process

For the Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections, the voting schedule is organised into four phases. Phase I is set for October 23, Phase II on October 29, Phase III on November 4, and Phase IV on November 14. Polling will take place from 7 am to 6 pm during these periods. Concurrently, elections for the positions of Panch and Sarpanch will align with this timetable.

Specifically, the elections for Panch and Sarpanch roles will be held immediately following each phase: the first phase on October 25, the second on October 31, the third on November 6, and the fourth on November 16. Candidates intending to file nominations for Panch and Sarpanch positions must do so during the morning hours of 8 am to 11 am on designated dates corresponding to each election phase.

Vote counting for the Panch and Sarpanch elections will commence right after the closing of polls on the same day, at the respective Gram Panchayat headquarters. Elections for Up-Sarpanch positions will be held on October 26, November 1, November 7, and November 17, aligning with the four phases of the overall elections.

Vote Counting and Leadership Elections

The counting of votes for Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti members is scheduled for November 20, starting at 8 am. Following the counting process, the elections for the leadership positions will be concluded through indirect election methods. The election for the Zila Pramukh will be held on November 25, while the Up-Zila Pramukh’s election is planned for November 26.

Additionally, the election for Pradhans will take place on November 27, followed by the election of Up-Pradhans on November 28, further solidifying the leadership structure of the Panchayati Raj institutions. The State Election Commission has announced that paper ballot boxes will be used for the Sarpanch and Ward Panch elections, whereas the Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections will employ Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

It is noteworthy that there will be a 50 per cent reservation for women within these institutions, reflecting a commitment to gender representation. As per the latest voter statistics, the total electorate comprises 51.82 per cent male voters and 48.18 per cent female voters. Jaipur has recorded the highest number of voters at 18.99 lakh, while Jaisalmer has the lowest at 4.36 lakh. The Model Code of Conduct is now in effect, regulating activities in rural areas following the declaration of the election programme.

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