Vacant chair, looming deadline: 22 Himachal ULBs stare at poll delay as govt yet to name election chief

The 22 ULBs were either created or upgraded in December 2024. Under the rules, elections to newly created or upgraded urban local bodies must be held within two years of their coming into existence.

“Most of these bodies will complete the two-year period in December,” a source said.

The State Election Commission had wanted to conduct elections to all ULBs simultaneously, but the government could not finalise the reservation roster for the newly created or upgraded bodies in time. The commission, therefore, proceeded with the elections in the 53 ULBs.

Sources said the election process would begin with a special revision of electoral rolls to include newly eligible voters. However, the exercise can begin only after a new State Election Commissioner is appointed.

Elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions and the 53 ULBs held in May were delayed by around six months after the matter reached the courts amid differences between the state government and the State Election Commission.

The remaining 22 ULBs now face the prospect of a further delay, albeit for a different reason.