3 phase Himachal panchayat polls on Jan 17, 19 and 21

Shimla : The State Election commission Himachal Pradesh today announced the elections to Panchayat Raj institutions in three phases on Jan 17 th, 19th and 21 st.

The spokesman said this Election Programme will not apply to Pradhans of all Gram Panchayats of district Shimla in all Development Blocks of District Shimla and Pradhans of all Gram Panchayat Development Block Dharampur in District Mandi in view of stay orders granted by the High Court of Himachal Pradesh.

This programme shall also not apply to Gram Panchayats and Panchayat Samiti Development Block Pangi (due in June, 2021) of Development Block Pangi in Chamba district. This Programme shall also not apply to Gram Panchayat Karjan and Soyal of Development Block Naggar and Gram Panchayat Jaban and Namhog of Development Block Anni in Kullu District. Elections to these four Gram Panchayats are due in June, 2021.

Nomination papers will be presented on 31st December, 1st  and 2nd  January, 2021 between 11.AM to 3.00 PM. Nomination papers for the office bearers of Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad shall be filled at designated places and before the officers appointed by the District Election Officers (Panchayat)-cum-Deputy Commissioner for the purpose.

The nominations papers shall be scrutinized on 4th January, from 10.00 AM onwards. The candidate may withdraw candidature on 6th January, between 10 AM to 3.00 PM.

The list of contesting candidates showing the name of symbol allotted to them immediately after the time of withdrawal is over shall be prepared and affixed on 6th January, immediately after the time of withdrawal is over. List of polling station shall be published on or before 31st December.

He further said that the polling will be held in three Phases. The polling for first phase shall be held on 17th January for second phase on 19th January and for third phase it shall be on 21st January from 8.00 AM to 4.00 PM.

The counting of vote for the Ward Members, Up-Pradhan and Pradhan of Gram Panchayat shall be taken up immediately after the close of the poll at the Gram Panchayats Headquarters. The counting of votes for the members of Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad shall be taken up on 22nd January, at 8.30 AM at respective Block Headquarters. The counting for a Ward Member once started shall continue until it is completed.

The results of election of Members, Up-Pradhan and Pradhan of Gram Panchayat shall be declared immediately after the counting is over. The result of election of Members of Panchayat Samiti shall be declared on the day of counting at the Block Headquarter immediately after the counting process is over.

The result of election to Zila Parishad shall be declared in accordance with the provision contained in the rule 75(6) of the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj (Election) Rule, 1994. The process of election shall be completed by 23rd January.