Panchkula/Chandiagrh, April 15: Voters in Ambala, Sonepat, and Panchkula will head to the polls on May 10 to elect new municipal leadership, according to the latest schedule released by the Haryana State Election Commission. The announcement has triggered the immediate implementation of the model code of conduct, freezing administrative transfers in the poll-bound regions.
In addition to the major municipal corporations, elections are set for the municipal council in Rewari and committees in Sampla, Uklana, and Dharuhera. The state will also see by-elections for over 500 vacant positions in gram panchayats, including sarpanches and zila parishad members.
“Counting of votes for municipal bodies will begin on May 13,” the commission affirmed, adding that Panchayati Raj Institution results would typically be processed immediately following the vote.
The commission has introduced strict transparency measures for this cycle. Candidates with criminal records are required to disclose their history through local newspapers and television channels on three separate occasions. Expenditure for those seeking mayoral seats has been capped at ₹30 lakh to ensure a level playing field.
The official nomination window opens on April 21, following a formal notice on April 15. State Election Commissioner Devinder Singh Kalyan stated that senior officers will serve as observers and a significant police presence will be deployed to guarantee a fair environment. The commission also confirmed that general and backward class candidates for council presidency must have completed Class 10, while a Class 8 education is the minimum requirement for women and SC candidates.
