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Punjab civic elections: polling May 26 and counting May 29 after May 11 schedule announcement
Punjab will hold elections for 105 municipal bodies, including eight corporations, on May 26 with counting on May 29. The schedule was announced on May 11, triggering the model code of conduct; nominations run May 13-16, with scrutiny and withdrawal dates in the following days. Over 36 lakh voters, 3,977 polling stations, and security plans accompany the process.
Why It Matters
The elections serve as a litmus test for the ruling AAP government and opposition, reflecting public sentiment on local governance, infrastructure, and urban development amid previous delays and ward delimitation disputes.
Timeline
7 Events
Counting day
May 29, 2026
Counting of votes will take place for the elected municipal bodies.
Polling day
May 26, 2026
Polling across 3,977 stations will be held from 8am to 5pm for all 105 municipal bodies, including eight municipal corporations.
Withdrawal of nominations deadline
May 19, 2026
Final date for withdrawal of nominations.
Scrutiny of nominations
May 18, 2026
Scrutiny of nomination papers will take place.
Nomination filing last date
May 16, 2026
Last date for filing nominations for the municipal bodies.
Nomination filing begins
May 13, 2026
The filing of nominations for the municipal bodies will begin.
Announcement of election schedule
May 11, 2026
State election commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhury announced the schedule: polling for 105 municipal bodies, including eight municipal corporations, will be held on May 26 with counting on May 29. The model code of conduct will come into immediate effect. Voter details include 36,72,932 registered voters, including 17,73,716 women; polling to be conducted at 3,977 stations from 8am to 5pm.