EC likely to announce Assembly election dates for five states in January 2027: Report

The Election Commission is expected to announce the schedule for Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur in the first half of January 2027, according to a News18 report.

The proposed timetable has not been formally announced by the poll panel. The dates for voting, counting and filing nominations will be made public only when the Commission releases the election schedule.

Also Read: 'Any time, any place': Rahul Gandhi renews debate challenge to PM Modi over 'Dimagi Naxals' remark

Election Commission reviews preparations in five states

Preparations have moved to the stage of field inspections by senior Election Commission officials. Teams led by senior deputy election commissioners have been reviewing arrangements for polling stations, personnel and election administration ahead of visits by the full Commission.

According to reports, officials had completed review visits to Uttarakhand, Manipur and Punjab. The Commission had planned to assess preparations in Uttar Pradesh in stages, beginning with a visit to Meerut on November 2, while a visit to Goa was being worked out.

The Chief Election Commissioner and the two election commissioners are expected to visit the five states before the election programme is finalised. The schedule and the number of polling phases have not yet been confirmed.

Five Assembly terms due to end in 2027

The Manipur Assembly's term ends on March 13, followed by Goa on March 14, Punjab on March 16 and Uttarakhand on March 28. Uttar Pradesh's Assembly has a longer term, running until May 22, 2027.

Uttar Pradesh has 403 Assembly constituencies, the largest number among the five states. Punjab has 117 seats, Uttarakhand 70, Manipur 60 and Goa 40. Together, the states will elect 690 MLAs.

The five states last went to the polls in 2022. The BJP is currently in power in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur, while the Aam Aadmi Party governs Punjab.

Voter list revision to finish in January

The Commission has also ordered a Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls in 17 states and Union territories, including the five due for elections. The exercise allows eligible citizens to enrol as voters and existing electors to seek corrections to their entries.

Draft voter lists are scheduled for publication on November 12. Claims and objections can be submitted until December 11, and the final rolls are due on January 4, 2027. January 1 will be the qualifying date for enrolment during this revision.

In a separate preparatory step, the Commission directed the five states on October 27 to transfer certain officers involved in election duties if they are posted in their home districts or have served in the same district for at least three years.

The poll timetable will determine the nomination deadlines, voting dates and counting arrangements. The Model Code of Conduct will take effect when the election schedule is announced.

Also Read: Delhi Diwali pollution row: PM2.5 nears 1,000, then data goes blank; BJP, AAP, Congress parties trade blame