Has the SEC Odisha Started Preparing for PRI and ULB Elections?
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Synopsis
The State Election Commission of Odisha is gearing up for the crucial elections of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies. With the process already underway, it's essential to understand the implications of these elections for local governance and democracy in the region.
Key Takeaways
- SEC Odisha is preparing for PRI and ULB elections.
- A door-to-door verification process is underway for voter list accuracy.
- The last elections were held in 2022, with the next round in 2027.
- 28 new ULBs require elections by June 30, 2026.
- The SEC is committed to free and fair elections.
Bhubaneswar, Jan 21 (NationPress) The State Election Commission (SEC) of Odisha has initiated preparations for the upcoming elections for the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) within the state.
The SEC has also commenced the process to hold elections for the 28 newly established ULBs across Odisha.
During a media briefing, Santosh Kumar Dash, the Secretary of the SEC, Odisha, stated on Wednesday that according to the Panchayat Rules and Municipal Acts, elections are mandated to occur every five years following the establishment of elected bodies.
Since the last PRI and ULB elections were held in 2022, the subsequent elections are scheduled for 2027. Dash noted that the election process comprises two primary elements—electoral roll preparation and the actual conduct of the polls.
The SEC has requested the most recent updated electoral rolls from the Election Commission of India (ECI) via the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to initiate the division of Assembly rolls into ward-wise and booth-wise lists for both rural and urban sectors.
He mentioned that a door-to-door verification campaign is currently underway across all Panchayats and municipal wards to clean and update the voter registry. Using specialized software, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are identifying errors in inclusion and exclusion to ensure that eligible voters are added while incorrect or duplicate entries are eliminated.
“This door-to-door survey is projected to last three to four months and constitutes approximately 50 to 60 percent of the total election preparation process,” Dash indicated.
He also highlighted that the Commission has held several review meetings with district administrations to ensure everything is in place. Collector-level meetings took place on January 13 in Sambalpur for the Northern Division, and on January 7 and January 20 in Cuttack and Chhatrapur for the Central and Southern Divisions, respectively.
Collectors, Additional District Magistrates, Sub-Collectors, and Revenue Divisional Commissioners have been briefed about logistics, manpower allocation, and administrative coordination for the forthcoming elections.
Regarding the newly formed ULBs, Dash stated that municipal regulations require elections to be held within six months of notification. Since the 28 new ULBs were announced on December 31, 2025, the election process must conclude by June 30, 2026, ensuring that new elected bodies are established by that date.
“The Commission is fully equipped to guarantee free, fair, and transparent elections throughout rural and urban Odisha,” Dash affirmed.
Point of View
I recognize the importance of local elections in shaping governance. The preparations by the SEC Odisha highlight a commitment to conducting free and fair elections, which is vital for democracy. This proactive approach ensures that citizens have a voice in their local governance, ultimately strengthening the democratic fabric of our nation.
NationPress
23/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the SEC's preparations?
The SEC's preparations are aimed at conducting fair elections for Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies in Odisha.
When were the last elections held?
The last PRI and ULB elections in Odisha were held in 2022, with the next elections due in 2027.
How is the voter list being updated?
A door-to-door verification is being conducted to ensure the accuracy of the voter list through identification of inclusion and exclusion errors.
What is the timeline for the newly created ULBs elections?
Elections for the 28 newly created ULBs must be conducted by June 30, 2026, following their notification on December 31, 2025.
What measures are in place to ensure fair elections?
The SEC is prepared to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections through comprehensive planning and coordination.
