Himachal Pradesh Panchayat Elections: Women Voters Lead in Record Turnout
Himachal panchayat polls: 78.53% polling in first phase, women voters outnumber men
Image: The Hindu
The first phase of the Himachal Pradesh panchayat elections saw a voter turnout of 78.53%, with women voters surpassing men by 6%. Voting occurred peacefully across 1,293 panchayats amid a heatwave alert, with Kullu district recording the highest turnout at 84.43%. The elections are part of a three-phase process involving over 50 lakh eligible voters.
- 0178.55% voter turnout was recorded by 3 p.m., with women at 81.76% and men at 75.43%.
- 02Kullu district had the highest turnout at 84.43%, while Lahaul and Spiti recorded the lowest at 69.40%.
- 03Voting was cancelled in several wards due to issues with ballot papers and a candidate's death.
- 04Manglu Devi, a 113-year-old voter, participated at a 'Pink Booth' in Bilaspur, highlighting women's empowerment.
- 05Over 16.5 lakh voters were eligible in this phase, with elections for 31,182 public representatives across various positions.
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The first phase of the panchayat elections in Himachal Pradesh, held on May 26, 2026, witnessed a significant voter turnout of 78.55%, with women outnumbering men by 6%. Voting took place across 1,293 panchayats from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., despite a heatwave alert in several districts. Women voters achieved an impressive turnout of 81.76%, while men's turnout was 75.43%. Kullu district led with 84.43% participation, whereas Lahaul and Spiti had the lowest at 69.40%. Notably, a 113-year-old woman, Manglu Devi, voted at a 'Pink Booth', emphasizing the role of women in the electoral process. However, some elections were postponed or cancelled due to ballot issues and a candidate's death. The elections are part of a three-phase process with over 50 lakh eligible voters, aiming to elect 31,182 representatives. The next phases are scheduled for May 28 and 30.
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The high voter turnout, particularly among women, indicates increasing political engagement and empowerment in Himachal Pradesh.
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