SHILLONG, MAY 22: Biennial elections to fill 24 vacancies in the Rajya Sabha from 10 States will be held on June 18, the Election Commission announced Friday, laying out a tight schedule that concludes with counting the same evening.
The polls were triggered by the impending retirement of 24 members of the Council of States whose six-year terms end in June-July 2026. According to the ECI, the formal process begins with the issue of notifications on June 1.
Aspiring candidates have until June 8 to submit nominations. The papers will be scrutinised on June 9, and withdrawals, if any, must be made by June 11. Voters will cast their ballots on June 18 between 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, with counting of votes to commence an hour later at 5:00 pm.
The Commission has set June 20 as the date by which the entire electoral exercise must be completed. In a move to standardise voting and curb irregularities, the ECI has specified that only integrated violet colour sketch pens supplied by the Returning Officer may be used to mark preferences on the ballot. The use of any other writing instrument has been barred.
“The Commission has decided that adequate measures for close monitoring of the election process by appointing observers shall be taken to ensure free and fair elections,” the press note, issued by Secretary Suman Kumar Das, said.
By Our Reporter
