Gujarat gram panchayat elections likely to be announced by end of May

The State Election Commission (SEC) is gearing up to announce Gujarat Gram Panchayat elections by the end of this month.

With the terms of many panchayats expiring on June 30, preparations are in full swing for the upcoming elections. Several panchayats have already completed their tenure, while others are nearing the end of their five-year term.

Until now, these panchayats have been governed by Talatis acting as administrators, due to the absence of elected representatives.

The SEC has directed district collectors across Gujarat to remain prepared for the polls. Ballot papers will be used instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), marking a return to traditional voting methods. This has triggered a flurry of administrative activity, including:

Determining the number of ballot boxes and polling booths

Procuring election materials and stationery

Arranging police security and polling personnel

Establishing strongrooms to store election-related materials

Organising training sessions for election and counting staff

Instructions have also been given to build databases of police and polling staff and to allocate polling officers and assistant returning officers well in advance.

With elections looming, sarpanch aspirants across the state have begun political preparations. The Election Commission will also announce spending limits for sarpanch candidates to ensure fair campaigning.

Officials are currently estimating quantities of indelible ink, ballot papers, and other logistical requirements essential for the polls.

With the upcoming elections, villagers and governance experts hope for a return to democratic functioning and accelerated rural development through elected representatives.