Himachal Municipal Elections: Dry Day, Campaign Ban Imposed Ahead Of Polls; Check Voting Time, Restrictions

Campaigning for Himachal Pradesh’s urban local body elections ended at 3 pm on Friday across 51 civic bodies, including the municipal corporations of Dharamshala, Palampur, Mandi and Solan, marking the start of the official silence period ahead of polling. 

With the campaign period over, rallies, processions, public meetings, cultural events, and advertisements on television, newspapers and other media have been completely banned. From this point, candidates are only allowed to continue limited door-to-door and personal outreach. 

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After 3 pm, all outside leaders and prominent campaigners were required to leave the contested areas. Voting will be held on Sunday from 7 am to 3 pm across these urban local bodies.

The State Election Commission has also imposed strict restrictions, including a 48-hour dry day. Liquor shops and beer bars will remain closed across all election-bound areas until the end of polling on Sunday. 

Municipal corporation elections are being conducted on party symbols, while Nagar Panchayat and Nagar Parishad elections are being held on a non-party basis. 

Shops to remain closed until May 17

Authorities have reiterated that liquor vends will stay shut across the state’s polling areas until May 17 as part of the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct and dry day rules. 

Voting schedule and results

-Polling date: May 17 (7 am to 3 pm)

-Counting (Municipal Corporations): May 31

-Counting (Nagar Panchayats and Councils): Same day as voting 

Campaign restrictions tightened

As per Election Commission guidelines, only personal and door-to-door campaigning is allowed now, with a complete ban on mass media advertising, including cinema, TV and newspapers.

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Election details

-51 urban local bodies going to polls

-Around 3.6 lakh voters

-1,147 candidates contesting for 439 posts

-About 589 polling stations set up across the state 

Authorities have directed police and administrative officials to ensure strict compliance with all rules for peaceful, fair and transparent polling across the state.