Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh Gears Up for Second Phase of Panchayati Raj Polls Amid Pleasant Weather
Himachal Pradesh is all set to witness the second phase of Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) elections today, with polling scheduled across 1,276 gram panchayats in different parts of the state. Election officials are expecting a strong voter turnout this time, largely due to improved weather conditions compared to the first phase.
Himachal Pradesh is all set to witness the second phase of Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) elections today, with polling scheduled across 1,276 gram panchayats in different parts of the state. Election officials are expecting a strong voter turnout this time, largely due to improved weather conditions compared to the first phase.
According to the State Election Commission, more than 17.30 lakh voters are eligible to cast their votes in the second phase of the rural body elections. The voter list includes 8,74,416 male voters, 8,55,597 female voters and 17 voters registered under the “others” category.
The polling process will begin at 7 am and continue till 3 pm. Authorities have confirmed that all arrangements have been completed to ensure smooth, fair and peaceful voting across the state.
Pleasant Weather Likely to Increase Voter Turnout
Unlike the first phase of polling, which took place during intense heat wave conditions, the second phase is expected to witness relatively comfortable weather. The Meteorological Department has predicted light to moderate rainfall in several districts of Himachal Pradesh.
Election officials believe that the favourable weather could help increase voter participation beyond the 78.8 per cent turnout recorded during the first phase of the elections.
Voters to Cast Five Separate Votes
In this phase, every voter will cast five different votes for multiple local governance posts, including:
- Ward Member
- Vice-Pradhan
- Pradhan
- Panchayat Samiti Member
- Zila Parishad Member
To make the voting process easier and avoid confusion, separate coloured ballot papers have been introduced for each category. White ballot papers will be used for ward member elections, yellow for vice-pradhan, green for pradhan, pink for Panchayat Samiti member and blue for Zila Parishad member.
The Election Commission has also allowed voters to use any one of the 16 approved identity documents for verification at polling booths.
Fresh Polling Ordered in Chamba District
Meanwhile, the State Election Commission has ordered fresh polling in Ward No. 2 of Gram Panchayat Samwal in the Tissa development block of Chamba district after procedural lapses were reported during voting.
Officials stated that some voters were allowed to cast votes with companions, but the required declaration forms from accompanying persons were not collected by the presiding officer. The Commission considered this a violation of election procedures.
Fresh polling in the affected ward will now take place on May 30, while counting of votes and declaration of results are scheduled for May 31.
Counting Suspended in Sirmaur After Ballot Box Mix-Up
In another incident, vote counting in Gram Panchayat Banah Dhini under Pachhad development block of Sirmaur district was temporarily suspended after officials reportedly exchanged a ballot box meant for the Zila Parishad election with a panchayat election ballot box.
The Election Commission said the counting process in the panchayat would now be conducted under police security to maintain transparency and avoid further confusion.
