Mumbai: The country is preparing for the Lok Sabha elections next year, which will be followed by the state elections a few months later. But before these elections, another important election is going to take place in the state. The State Election Commission has announced the schedule for the Gram Panchayat Elections (Gram Panchayat Election 2023), which have been delayed due to various reasons. Elections for about 2,359-gram panchayats and 2,950 member posts across 34 districts of the state will be held this month.
Code of conduct in force
State Election Commissioner U.P.S. Madan said that the code of conduct has come into effect from today in the areas of the concerned gram panchayats. He said that candidates can file nomination papers for this election from October 16 to October 20, 2023. Scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on October 23, 2023. Nomination papers can be withdrawn till 3 p.m. on October 25, 2023. Election symbols will be distributed on the same day.
Voting and counting of votes
He also said that voting will be held from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm on November 5, 2023. The counting of votes will take place on November 6, 2023. However, in Naxal-affected areas of Gadchiroli and Gondia, the voting time will be from 7.30 am to 3 pm only. The counting of votes there will take place on November 7, 2023.
Tenure of Gram Panchayats ends
For your information, let us tell you that the tenure of Gram Panchayats in many districts has ended. Whereas by-elections are proposed in some places. In such a situation, the Gram Panchayat elections to be held in the state before Diwali can bring a new twist in politics.
The Gram Panchayat elections are considered a test of popularity and strength for the political parties in the state. The ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance of Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress will face the challenge of the opposition BJP and its ally Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena (BSS). The elections will also reflect the mood and aspirations of the rural voters, who constitute a large segment of the electorate in the state.
The Gram Panchayat elections are not fought on party symbols, but candidates are supported by different parties. The results are declared on the basis of panels or groups formed by the candidates. The State Election Commission has made elaborate arrangements for conducting free and fair elections amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Commission has issued guidelines for maintaining social distancing and wearing masks during the election process.
