Chd Mayoral Election on 29 January

DC Chandigarh Reviews Arrangements for Elections

Chandigarh, January 4

Deputy Commissioner, U.T. Chandigarh Nishant Kumar Yadav— who is also the prescribed authority for the forthcoming Mayoral Election scheduled on January 29, 2026 — visited the Municipal Corporation office to review the overall preparedness for the election of the Mayor, Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

DC Yadav chaired a comprehensive review meeting with senior officers of the Municipal Corporation to assess administrative, procedural, logistical and security arrangements to ensure a smooth and law-abiding electoral process. Officials informed that as per the provisions of the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976 (as applicable to U.T. Chandigarh) and the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (Procedure and Conduct of Business) Regulations, 1996, the election will be held through the “Show of Hands” method. A detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been finalized to maintain transparency and accountability at every stage — including pre-voting protocol, the order of voting, hand-raise procedure, counting, verification, documentation, and declaration of results.

According to the SOP, councillors will clearly raise their hands to indicate their vote, which will be visually verified and verbally confirmed. Proper records will be maintained in the register of votes and minutes of meeting to prevent any ambiguity or dispute.

DC directed that the entire election process be continuously videographed without any editing, and the footage be preserved for at least 90 days or as instructed by the competent authority. Media coverage and live feed of the election process, wherever permissible, will also be allowed to ensure transparency.

Under Section 60(a) of the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976, Dr. Ramneek Singh Bedi, Councillor, who is not contesting the election, has been designated as the Presiding Authority for the meeting scheduled on January 29. He will oversee the proceedings and ensure strict adherence to the law, prescribed procedures, and approved SOP.

For security and attendance, it was emphasized that councillors shall not be accompanied by supporters or personal security staff from other States. Only authorized persons will be allowed entry into Municipal Corporation premises during the election. The Chandigarh Police have been directed to ensure adequate security and maintain peace and discipline before, during, and after the election.

The Deputy Commissioner also reviewed the nomination process, reiterating that filings for the posts of Mayor, Senior Deputy Mayor, and Deputy Mayor must follow the Municipal Corporation (Election) Regulations, 1996, as per the notified schedule.

Concluding the review, the Deputy Commissioner instructed all departments to maintain close coordination, follow procedures in letter and spirit, and remain fully prepared for their assigned responsibilities.
He reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to conduct free, fair, transparent, and dignified elections, upholding the democratic values of Chandigarh.