Today Gujarat State Election Commission has officially announced Gram Panchayat elections for 2025, marking a significant event in the state’s democratic process. Elections will be held across 8,326 villages, for both regular and by-elections.
Election Dates:
- Notification Release: June 2, 2025
- Nomination Filing Deadline: June 9, 2025
- Scrutiny of Nominations: June 10, 2025
- Withdrawal of Nominations: June 11, 2025
- Polling Date: June 22, 2025 (7:00 AM to 6:00 PM)
- Counting of Votes: June 25, 2025
Voting will be conducted using traditional Ballot Papers, as Gram Panchayat elections in Gujarat are held without political party symbols.
Key Highlights:
- Voter Participation: Approximately 1.30 crore voters are expected to cast their votes.
- Positions Contested: Elections will be held for 5,115 Sarpanch seats and 44,850 ward member positions.
- Polling Infrastructure: Around 16,500 polling stations will be established, utilizing approximately 28,300 ballot boxes.
Reservation and Representation:
This election is particularly noteworthy as it is the first Gram Panchayat election following the implementation of a 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Additionally, a 50% reservation for women in local bodies has been enforced, aiming to enhance inclusive participation in grassroots governance.
Permissible Expenditure Limits for Sarpanch Candidates:
- Panchayats with up to 12 wards: ₹15,000
- Panchayats with 13 to 22 wards: ₹30,000
- Panchayats with more than 23 wards: ₹45,000
There is no specified expenditure limit for ward member candidates.
By-Elections:
By-elections for two vacant Visavadar and Kadi Assembly seats are scheduled for June 19, 2025, with results to be declared on June 23, 2025. Gram Panchayat elections in these constituencies will proceed on June 22, 2025, as planned.
The upcoming Gram Panchayat elections are a crucial step in strengthening local self-governance in Gujarat, reflecting the state’s commitment to democratic principles and inclusive representation.
