Polling for the first phase of Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) elections began across Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, marking an important democratic exercise in the state’s rural regions. Voting started at 7 am in 1,293 gram panchayats, with voters arriving at polling booths early in the morning despite heatwave conditions in several districts.
According to the Himachal Pradesh State Election Commission, the elections are being conducted in three phases on May 26, 28, and 30. Polling is being held for 31,182 posts, including gram panchayat members, pradhans, up-pradhans, panchayat samiti members, and zila parishad representatives. More than 50.79 lakh voters are eligible to participate in the elections across the state.
Authorities made extensive administrative and security arrangements to ensure smooth and peaceful polling. More than 21,600 polling stations have been established, including several sensitive and highly sensitive booths where additional security personnel have been deployed. Polling teams were sent in advance to remote and hilly regions to prevent disruptions caused by difficult terrain and weather conditions.
The elections witnessed enthusiastic participation in many rural areas, especially among women and first-time voters. Officials also confirmed that 10,854 candidates had already been elected unopposed before the beginning of polling.
Counting for gram panchayat posts will begin immediately after polling in the respective areas, while votes for panchayat samiti and zila parishad seats will be counted on May 31. The elections are considered crucial for strengthening grassroots governance and rural development in Himachal Pradesh.
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