The Uttarakhand government is preparing to conduct the long-pending three-tier panchayat elections next month, even as concerns rise over the monsoon season’s impact on voter turnout and logistics. The previous terms of gram, kshetra, and zila panchayats ended in 2024, but elections were delayed, leading to the appointment of administrators twice — first the outgoing representatives, and currently, administrative officers.
With growing pressure and legal limitations, the government has now signaled that elections can no longer be postponed. A notification issued by the state administration indicates plans to hold elections in July, following the finalization of reservation rosters.
If conducted as scheduled, this would be the first time since Uttarakhand’s formation that panchayat elections are held during the rainy season. Local representatives have expressed concern that monsoon-related disruptions could lower voter turnout and hamper election staff’s movement, especially in remote hilly regions.
In the last panchayat elections held in October 2019, the state recorded a voter turnout of 69.59%. The highest was in Udham Singh Nagar at 84.26%, while Almora had the lowest at 60.04%. Historically, hilly districts like Pauri (61.79%), Rudraprayag (62.98%), and Tehri (61.19%) have seen relatively lower participation.
Rainy season poses additional challenges in mountainous districts such as Pithoragarh, Chamoli, and Uttarkashi, where swollen rivers and landslides frequently disrupt connectivity.
Panchayat Sangathan’s state convenor Jagat Martolia warned that holding elections during monsoon could further reduce participation. Meanwhile, State Election Commissioner Sushil Kumar stated that while rainfall poses logistical challenges, the elections cannot be delayed indefinitely. Discussions with district magistrates on a contingency plan are underway.
