Gandhinagar: The atmosphere of the local body elections, which are like a festival of democracy in Gujarat, is now in full swing. As the deadline for withdrawal of nomination forms before the upcoming polls on 26 April 2026 has passed, the final picture of the elections has become clear. According to the official figures released by the State Election Commission, a total of 26,196 candidates are now left in the fray, whose fate will be decided by the public.
Form verification and withdrawal status
Thousands of candidates enthusiastically filled their forms in the initial phase of the election process. However, a large number of forms were cancelled during the scrutiny due to technical glitches or other reasons. According to the Commission's data, a total of 11,344 candidates' forms have been cancelled.
Subsequently, in the process of withdrawal of forms, a total of 1,536 candidates have decided to withdraw from the election fray. The highest number of these withdrawn forms are from Taluka Panchayats, where 773 candidates have withdrawn, while 124 candidates in Municipal Corporations have withdrawn their names.
Unopposed election on 313 seats
In this election, a compromise has been seen between parties and candidates on many seats. As a result, candidates have been declared unopposed on a total of 313 seats across the state.
Municipality: The highest number of 276 seats went uncontested.
Other: Not a single seat at the district and taluka panchayat levels went uncontested, which makes it clear that political heat is at its peak in rural areas and there will be a fierce battle for every seat.
Election structure and system
These elections, which will determine the pace of Gujarat's development, cover all levels. A total of 26,196 candidates will contest for the following institutions:
15 Municipal Corporations
84 Municipalities
34 District Panchayats
260 Taluka Panchayats
OBC reservation and new rotation
The special feature of this time's elections is that they are being held according to the new rotation of OBC (Other Backward Classes) reserved seats. As these elections are being held with new criteria of reservation following the recommendations of the Supreme Court and the Zaveri Commission, many new faces have got a chance and the equations have also changed.
Result date
After the voting process is completed peacefully on 26 April 2026, all votes will be counted on 28 April 2026. By the evening of the same day, it will be clear who will take the helm of local governance in Gujarat.
This election is being considered a 'semi-final' before the upcoming assembly elections for the state's major political parties.
