CHANDIGARH, May 11— The Punjab State Election Commission has triggered the start of the local body election cycle, announcing that 105 urban local bodies will go to the polls on May 26. The schedule includes eight major municipal corporations and nearly 100 councils and panchayats, marking a significant test for political parties in the state.
State Election Commissioner Dr. Raj Kamal Chaudhuri asserted that the commission is committed to maintaining absolute transparency throughout the electoral process. He stated that videography and CCTV monitoring will be mandatory at all nomination and polling sites to ensure the integrity of the vote.
“Candidates will be allowed to contest elections on party symbols,” the commissioner affirmed. He noted that the final list of candidates would be confirmed by May 19, following the scrutiny and withdrawal phases of the nomination period.
The commission stated that the voter base includes 226 individuals from the third-gender category, highlighting the inclusive nature of the revised electoral rolls. While most of the state will participate in this cycle, officials declared that Hoshiarpur’s elections are likely to be delayed by four to five months pending the completion of local roll updates.
Security arrangements are already being finalized, with senior IAS and PCS officers appointed to oversee operations in each district. Authorities affirmed that the strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct will be monitored to prevent any electoral malpractice in the lead-up to the May 29 results.
