The first phase of the Panchayati Raj Institution elections in Himachal Pradesh concluded peacefully on May 26, with approximately 78 per cent voter turnout across 1,293 gram panchayats. This turnout indicates robust grassroots participation in the democratic process within the state. The voting took place from 7 AM to 3 PM using ballot boxes, and the final turnout figures may rise as complete reports from all districts are received.

The State Election Commission had issued notifications on April 29, concerning the elections to fill 31,182 positions across various Panchayati Raj institutions. From a total of 86,204 candidates who filed nominations, 10,854 were elected unopposed following the verification and withdrawal process.

Throughout the state, more than 14.25 lakh votes were cast from a total electorate of over 18.22 lakh voters. The turnout was a slight improvement over the first phase of the 2021 Panchayat elections, which recorded nearly 77 per cent participation in 1,228 gram panchayats.

District-wise Turnout Statistics

Among various districts, Kullu achieved the highest voter turnout of nearly 84 per cent. This was accompanied by significant participation from other districts, with Sirmaur reporting 82 per cent and Solan at 81 per cent. Shimla saw approximately 80 per cent participation, while Lahaul and Spiti registered the lowest at around 69 per cent.

Kangra, which has the largest number of voters in the state, recorded a turnout of about 75 per cent. Meanwhile, Hamirpur reported nearly 73 per cent. The Kunair-Dhamaun gram panchayat in Sirmaur emerged as the highest polling area, achieving an exceptional turnout of nearly 97 per cent.

In an effort to facilitate voting in remote areas, the Election Commission established a special auxiliary polling station for the Bara Bhangal gram panchayat in Kangra district, allowing all 101 registered voters there to successfully cast their ballots.

Women Voters Exhibit Strong Participation

Women voters played a significant role in this election phase, outnumbering male voters in ten out of twelve districts. Kullu reported the highest participation among women, with nearly 85 per cent casting their votes, reflecting a growing political awareness and active engagement in local governance.

Despite the generally peaceful polling process, there were instances of adjourned or cancelled votes in certain wards due to technical difficulties or unforeseen events. For instance, in Chamba district, the polling for a ward member in Ward No. 3-Deela was countermanded following the death of a candidate.

In Mandi district, polling for a Panchayat Samiti member was temporarily suspended when a candidate’s name was missing from the ballot paper. The Election Commission has earmarked May 28 for rescheduled voting in that ward. Additionally, in Shimla district, a polling error in Ward No. 1 of Narain gram panchayat led to the cancellation of votes, and fresh elections have been set for May 30.

Following the polling, counting started immediately for gram panchayat pradhans, up-pradhans, and ward members, with results expected late on the same day. The counting for 250 Zila Parishad wards and 1,684 Panchayat Samiti wards is set for May 31, when final results for the higher-tier local bodies will be made public.

The State Election Commission extended its gratitude to district administrations, security personnel, polling staff, and voters for their roles in ensuring the smooth conduct of this first phase of Panchayat elections across Himachal Pradesh.

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