The State Election Commission of Gujarat has officially announced the comprehensive schedule for the General and Bye-elections of various local self-government bodies. With this announcement, the Model Code of Conduct (Achar Sanhita) has come into immediate effect across the designated areas of the state, starting April 1, 2026. Read the full Article on Aitoolcluster.
Gujarat Local Body Election 2026 Schedule Declared
This election cycle covers a massive scale, including Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, and District/Taluka Panchayats. Below is the detailed breakdown of the election dates, voting hours, and the areas affected by the new regulations.
Gujarat Local Body Election 2026: Key Statistics
According to the official circular (No. ELC-COC-3(8)-042026-K-9419), the elections will be conducted for:
- 15 Municipal Corporations (Mahanagarpalika)
- 84 Municipalities (Nagarpalika)
- 34 District Panchayats (Zilla Panchayat)
- 260 Taluka Panchayats
- Bye-elections for 13 vacant seats across 11 Municipalities.
Official Election Schedule 2026
The Commission has streamlined the process into specific phases. Here are the most important dates for candidates and voters:
| Event Description | Key Date |
| Model Code of Conduct Starts | April 1, 2026 |
| Official Notification Issued | April 6, 2026 |
| Last Date for Nominations | April 11, 2026 |
| Scrutiny of Nominations | April 13, 2026 |
| Last Date for Withdrawal | April 15, 2026 |
| Voting Day | April 26, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Re-polling (if required) | April 27, 2026 |
| Counting of Votes | April 28, 2026 |
| Completion of Election Process | April 30, 2026 |
Voting Hours: The polling will take place between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM on the scheduled date.
રાજ્ય ચૂંટણી આયોગ
ગાંધીનગર, ગુજરાત
સ્થાનિક સ્વરાજ્યની સંસ્થાઓની ચૂંટણી – ૨૦૨૬
આદર્શ આચાર સંહિતા અને ચૂંટણી કાર્યક્રમ પરિપત્ર
What is the Model Code of Conduct (Achar Sanhita)?
As of April 1, 2026, the Model Code of Conduct is strictly enforced. This ensures a free and fair election environment. Key restrictions during this period include:
- Ban on Transfers: All government officers and employees involved in election duties are prohibited from being transferred or taking leave without prior commission approval.
- Policy Announcements: The ruling party and government cannot announce new schemes, financial grants, or projects in the areas where elections are held.
- Use of Public Resources: Government vehicles, buildings, and machinery cannot be used for election campaigning.
- Official Visits: Ministers are restricted from combining official visits with electioneering.
Important Instructions for Voters and Candidates
The State Election Commission has emphasized that all rules established in previous advertisements and circulars remain in effect. Candidates must adhere to the expenditure limits and campaigning guidelines set by the commission.
Voters are encouraged to verify their names in the electoral rolls well in advance. Information regarding the location of polling stations and the availability of voter ID cards can be accessed through the official State Election Commission portal.
The April 2026 local body elections represent a significant democratic event for Gujarat. Whether you are a candidate or a voter, staying updated with the official notifications is essential. We recommend following the official website of the State Election Commission for real-time updates and circulars.
