Rajasthan Panchayat elections: First phase results announced

The first phase of the Panchayati Raj elections in Rajasthan has concluded, with official results for 2,445 village panchayat heads (Sarpanchs) announced as of Sunday evening. The election covered 3,314 gram panchayats across 16 districts. According to the State Election Commission, voter turnout for the first phase reached 83.05 percent, a slight increase compared to previous elections. The highest turnout was recorded in the Sedwa Panchayat Samiti of Barmer district at 93.03 percent.

Following the Sarpanch elections, elected ward panches cast their votes on Sunday to select deputy heads (Up-Sarpanchs) within their respective panchayats.

The second phase of the election process is scheduled for October 28, involving voting for Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti members. Nominations for these positions will take place on October 29, with voting set for October 30. Results for the second phase will be announced on November 20.

In the third phase, which involves Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti members, 9,540 nominations were found valid following a scrutiny process of 12,849 filings. Candidates have until October 26 to withdraw their names, after which the final list of candidates and election symbols will be released. Voting for the third phase is scheduled for November 3.