The process of three-tier panchayat elections has started in Uttarakhand. The State Election Commission, while announcing the election program on Saturday, June 21, said that voting will be held in two phases in 12 districts of the state. Voting for the first phase will be held on July 10 and the second phase on July 15. At the same time, the counting process will be done on July 19. Elections will be held in the remaining districts except Haridwar district.
Giving information, State Election Commissioner Sushil Kumar said that the notification regarding the panchayat elections has been issued. Along with this, the model code of conduct has also come into force in the state.
The nomination process will start from June 25 and will run till June 28. Scrutiny of nomination papers will be done from June 29 to July 1 and the election symbols will be allotted on July 3. Preparations are being made to conduct the voting in a completely peaceful and transparent manner.
Under these panchayat elections, elections will be held in 89 development blocks and 7,499 gram panchayats of the state. Voting will be held for a total of 66,418 posts. Out of these, 55,587 posts will be of Gram Panchayat members, 7,499 posts of Pradhan Gram Panchayat, 2,974 posts of Kshetra Panchayat members and 358 posts of Zila Panchayat members. This election process will be applicable in all districts except Haridwar.
Total voters 47.77 lakh, number of polling stations 8,276
A total of 47,77,072 voters will exercise their franchise in these 12 districts of Uttarakhand. These include 24,65,702 men, 23,10,996 women and 374 other voters. The Election Commission has set up 8,276 polling centers and 10,529 polling stations across the state. The Commission has ensured extensive security and arrangements for the convenience and ease of the voters.
Election activities have intensified in the rural areas of the state ahead of voting in two phases and declaration of results on July 19. This election is not only an opportunity to choose the local leadership, but will also become a platform to decide the direction of ground development.