Countdown Begins for Rural Local Body Polls in Rajasthan
Political activity across Rajasthan is set to surge as the long-awaited Panchayati Raj elections are on the horizon. The State Election Commission is on the verge of officially announcing the complete poll schedule, setting the stage for rural citizens to elect their local grassroots governments.
According to administrative sources, the elections are expected to be conducted in multiple phases. The announcement will outline the complete timeline, including nominations, scrutiny, withdrawal, polling dates, and counting procedures.
Model Code of Conduct and Administrative Restrictions
With the announcement of the poll schedule, the Model Code of Conduct will come into immediate effect across rural areas and is expected to remain enforced for nearly two months. This will restrict new administrative announcements and political inaugurations to ensure a fair playing field.
Crucially, transfers of government employees and officials will be frozen until the conclusion of the electoral process. The state administration will operate under strict guidelines laid down by the election watchdog.
Dual Voting System: EVMs and Ballot Papers
The election commission has made elaborate arrangements for voting. Village-level positions such as Sarpanchs and Ward Panchs will be elected through traditional ballot papers, while Panchayat Samiti and Zilla Parishad members will be elected using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Administrative machinery is currently undergoing training to ensure smooth handling of both voting mechanisms across polling booths.
Over 1.69 Lakh Representatives to Take Charge
A staggering 1.69 million new local representatives will be elected during this massive democratic exercise. The elected body will include 1,403 Zilla Parishad members and 8,245 Panchayat Samiti members who will subsequently elect district chiefs and committee heads.
