SHIMLA, APRIL 21 — The Himachal Pradesh State Election Commission has set the stage for a high-stakes round of civic polls, announcing on Tuesday that urban local body elections—covering 51 bodies, including four municipal corporations, 25 municipal councils, and 22 municipal committees—will be held on May 17. The announcement, made by State Election Commissioner Anil Khachi, comes with the Model Code of Conduct already in force across the state, restricting key administrative officials who may now leave their district headquarters only with prior permission.
Polling will take place in major urban centers such as Dharamsala, Palampur, Solan, and Mandi, where a total of 360,845 voters—180,963 men and 179,882 women—will cast their ballots. Notably, 1,808 first-time voters, all 18 years old, will mark their first electoral participation. Voters can verify their registration and that of their family members using the *Sarathi* app.
Nomination papers will be accepted on April 29, 30, and May 2 until 3 p.m., followed by scrutiny on May 4 at 10 a.m. Candidates may withdraw their nominations between May 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Election symbols will be allotted immediately after the withdrawal deadline. Polling station lists will be published on April 29, with voting scheduled for May 17 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. While results for municipal councils and committees will be declared the same day, results for the four municipal corporations will be announced on May 31.
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For panchayati raj institutions, the final electoral roll will be published on April 27, with elections to follow. To ensure smooth preparations, the Election Commission has directed Deputy Commissioners, Sub-Divisional Magistrates, Block Development Officers, and District Panchayat Officers to avoid leaving their district headquarters without prior approval. The order, effective immediately, underscores the Commission’s commitment to a fair and transparent electoral process.
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With these measures in place, Himachal Pradesh prepares for a critical round of civic polls after a five-year gap, as the state gears up to elect representatives who will shape the future of its urban governance.
