Chhattisgarh to announce Panchayat and Urban Body election dates today. Urban elections to use EVMs, while Panchayat elections will stick to ballot papers. Final voter list published; elections expected to conclude by February end.
Raipur: Chhattisgarh is set to witness simultaneous elections for its Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies, marking a significant step towards streamlined democratic processes. Preparations for these elections are in the final stages, and the State Election Commission is expected to hold a press conference today to announce the election dates.
Key Updates:
- The final voter list for the elections was published on January 18, clearing the path for the announcement.
- Both elections are anticipated to be completed by the end of February 2025, ensuring a swift and efficient process.
Voting Methodology:
- Urban Body Elections: These elections will be conducted using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), reflecting a modernized approach.
- Panchayat Elections: In contrast, ballot papers will be used for voting in Panchayat elections, preserving the traditional method for rural areas.
This dual approach highlights the state’s adaptability in catering to both urban and rural requirements while ensuring a transparent electoral process.
Revised Notification on EVM Usage
The state government recently issued a Gazette Notification reintroducing EVMs for Urban Local Body elections, a practice last employed in 2014. Notably, the 2019 elections were conducted using ballot papers during the Congress government’s tenure. The revised provisions now eliminate the use of ballot papers for urban elections, emphasizing the efficiency and reliability of EVMs.
Historical Context
- The 2014 Urban Local Body Elections were conducted using EVMs.
- The 2019 Elections, under the Congress government, saw a shift to ballot papers.
- Now, the BJP-led state government has reinstated EVMs, reflecting a return to modernized polling systems.
What to Expect
The simultaneous conduction of both Panchayat and Urban Local Body elections is expected to simplify the electoral process and reduce administrative overhead. Voter participation is likely to increase as awareness and accessibility improve.
The announcement of election dates will set the stage for an intense political battle, with parties gearing up to present their vision for the development of Chhattisgarh’s urban and rural regions.
