Rajasthan conducts first phase of panchayat elections

The first phase of the Panchayati Raj general elections in Rajasthan commenced on Saturday, with voting taking place across 3,314 Gram Panchayats in 16 districts. The elections are held to select Sarpanchs and Ward Panchs, with approximately 25,000 candidates contesting for Sarpanch positions and over 28,000 for Ward Panch roles.

In a departure from previous elections that utilized Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), this cycle is being conducted using ballot papers. Voters cast two separate votes: one for the Sarpanch and one for the Ward Panch. As of 1:00 p.m. on the first day, voter turnout for Sarpanch elections was reported at 45 percent.

The election process involves over 8.5 million registered voters across 9,886 polling stations. Major districts involved in this phase include Ajmer, Alwar, Barmer, Bhilwara, Bikaner, Dungarpur, Jaipur, Jhalawar, Jodhpur, Kota, Nagaur, Pali, Phalodi, Rajsamand, Sirohi, and Udaipur. Results are expected to be declared on Saturday night following the conclusion of polling and immediate counting at Gram Panchayat headquarters.

In Sawai Madhopur district, public holidays have been declared for the third and fourth phases of the election schedule. Voting for District Council and Panchayat Samiti members in areas such as Bamanwas, Baunli, Khandar, and Malarna Dungar is scheduled for November 3, 2026, with Sarpanch and Panch elections following on November 5, 2026. The fourth phase will take place in mid-November.