Election Campaign and Liquor Shops Shut in Himachal From Today

Himachal Pradesh’s panchayat election campaign has come to a halt ahead of the first phase of voting, bringing an abrupt pause to days of intense political activity across villages in the hill state.

Campaigning for the first phase officially ended at 3 pm on Sunday in 1,258 panchayats where polling is scheduled for May 26. The State Election Commission has enforced a 48-hour silence period to ensure voting takes place peacefully and without political influence.

District administrations across Himachal Pradesh have already issued orders implementing the restrictions. Candidates are no longer allowed to organise rallies, public meetings, processions or any form of election-related gathering. Authorities have also banned attempts to influence voters through television broadcasts, cultural programmes, music events or entertainment shows during the restricted period.

A dry day has also come into effect in the polling areas. Liquor shops, beer bars and hotels serving alcohol will remain closed for the next 48 hours.

Election teams have started moving toward remote polling centres carrying ballot boxes and election materials. Some polling parties were dispatched on Sunday itself, while the remaining teams are expected to leave on Monday morning. The administration says all polling stations will be fully prepared before voting begins.

Voting on May 26 will begin at 7 am and continue until 3 pm.

This year’s panchayat elections are being held for five positions — pradhan, upa-pradhan, ward member, block development committee member and zila parishad member. Each voter will cast five separate votes.

Counting for the posts of pradhan, upa-pradhan and ward member will begin immediately after polling at the respective panchayat buildings, and initial results are expected by evening. Counting for BDC and zila parishad seats will take place on May 31, with ballot boxes to remain secured in strong rooms until then.

Different ballot colours assigned for each post

The Election Commission has designated separate ballot paper colours for different positions.

• White for ward members
• Yellow for upa-pradhan
• Light green for pradhan
• Pink for panchayat committee members
• Blue for zila parishad members

The first phase of polling will be held in 1,258 panchayats on May 26, while voting in another 1,170 panchayats is scheduled for May 28. The entire election process will conclude on May 31 after counting for BDC and zila parishad seats is completed.

Even before polling, 131 panchayats have already seen candidates elected unopposed in various positions, including pradhan, upa-pradhan and ward member.