Panchayat Elections in Chhattisgarh | 21 Jan 2025

Why in News? 

According to the Chhattisgarh State Election Commission, the state is going to conduct elections for urban and panchayat bodies, including municipal corporations, in February 2025. 

 Key Points 

  • About the Election: 
    • Elections for 173 civic bodies, including 10 municipal corporations, 49 municipal councils, and 114 Nagar Panchayats, will take place in a single phase on 11th February 2025. 
    • The three-tier Panchayat elections will be held in three phases: 17, 20, and 23 February 2025. 
    • With the announcement of the election schedule, the model code of conduct has come into effect for the civic and panchayat bodies. 
  • Voting Method and Election Type: 
    • Civic elections will be conducted using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), while panchayat elections will use ballot papers. 
    • Civic body elections will be held along party lines, while panchayat elections will be conducted on a no-party basis. 

 State Election Commissions (SECs) 

  • The State Election Commission has been entrusted with the function of conducting free, fair and impartial elections to the local bodies in the state. 
  • Article 243K(1): It states that the superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all elections to the Panchayats (Municipalities under Article 243ZA) shall be vested in a State Election Commission consisting of a State Election Commissioner to be appointed by the Governor. 
  • Article 243K(2): It states that the tenure and appointment will be directed as per the law made by the state legislature. However, the State Election Commissioner shall not be removed from his/her office except in like manner and on the like grounds as a Judge of a High Court.