Gujarat local body election to be held on April 26, EVM-based voting announced
Updated: Apr 1st, 2026
Gujarat State Election Commissioner Dr S Muraleekrishna on Tuesday announced the schedule for the upcoming local body elections in the state, confirming that polling will be conducted using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Local self-government elections are set to be held in Gujarat for 15 municipal corporations, 84 municipalities, 34 district panchayats, and 260 taluka panchayats. Voting booths will be open from 7 am to 6pm.
| Last date to file candidature | April 11 |
| Last date for candidature verification | April 13 |
| Last date to retract candidature | April 15 |
| Election date | April 26 (7 am to 6 pm) |
| Re-election if needed | April 27 |
| Vote counting | April 28 |
| Conclusion of election | April 30 |
As per the announcement, multi-EVM systems will be deployed for municipal corporation elections, while a single EVM will be used for district and taluka-level polls.
The election process officially begins on April 1 with the notification being issued. Filing of nomination papers will commence from April 6, while April 11 has been set as the last date for submission.
This time, the elections will implement a new rotation system for OBC (Other Backward Classes) reserved seats. Notably, a new provision reserving 7 district panchayat president posts for OBC candidates will be a key highlight of these elections.
Scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on April 13, followed by the withdrawal window on April 15.
Voting is scheduled to be held on April 26, with April 27 reserved for re-polling, if required. The counting of votes will be carried out on April 28.
The State Election Commission said all necessary arrangements are being put in place to ensure smooth and transparent conduct of the elections.
