Punjab set for multi-cornered MC Polls on May 26; Over 7,600 candidates in fray
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, May 25, 2026: Punjab is poised for a high-stakes multi-cornered electoral battle in the urban local body elections scheduled for May 26, 2026, covering 105 municipal bodies across the state, including 8 Municipal Corporations, 76 Municipal Councils, and 21 Nagar Panchayats.
The civic polls are being closely watched as a key political indicator ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, with all major political parties—the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Indian National Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—fielding extensive candidate slates across urban wards, setting the stage for intense multi-cornered contests.
According to the State Election Commission (SEC), a total of 7,623 candidates remain in the fray after the withdrawal process. This includes 1,613 candidates in municipal corporations, 5,144 in municipal councils, and 866 in nagar panchayats. The Commission also confirmed that 79 candidates have been elected unopposed across various wards.
Campaigning concluded on Sunday evening, bringing an end to intensive outreach efforts by political parties. The Model Code of Conduct continues to remain in force across all civic bodies to ensure a free and fair electoral process.
The State Election Commission has completed all logistical and security arrangements for polling on Tuesday. Adequate police deployment has been ensured across the state, with special focus on sensitive and high-turnout urban wards.
Voting will begin in the morning and continue till evening, using ballot paper voting as per the existing electoral framework following judicial directions. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 29, 2026.
To encourage voter participation, the Punjab Government has declared May 26 a public holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, covering government offices, boards, corporations, and educational institutions, along with paid leave provisions for eligible workers in industrial and commercial establishments.
With an estimated 3.6 million urban voters eligible to participate, the elections are expected to provide key insights into grassroots political sentiment and evolving urban electoral trends in Punjab.