At a glance
- Direct: ward panch, sarpanch, panchayat samiti member, zila parishad member.
- Indirect: up-sarpanch (by panches & sarpanch), pradhan/up-pradhan (by PS members), zila pramukh/up-pramukh (by ZP members).
- 2026: sarpanch and ward panch by ballot box; panchayat samiti and zila parishad by EVM.
- Sarpanch/panch votes are counted at the gram panchayat HQ as soon as polling ends.
- Term: 5 years from the first meeting.
Who elects whom
| Post | Elected by | Voting in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Ward panch | Voters of that gram panchayat ward | Ballot box (pink ballot) |
| Sarpanch | Voters of the whole gram panchayat | Ballot box (white ballot) |
| Up-sarpanch | Newly elected panches and sarpanch, the next day, by secret ballot | Ballot paper |
| Panchayat samiti member | Voters of that panchayat samiti ward | EVM |
| Pradhan & up-pradhan | Elected PS members, from among themselves | Secret ballot |
| Zila parishad member | Voters of that zila parishad ward | EVM |
| Zila pramukh & up-pramukh | Elected ZP members, from among themselves | Secret ballot; no postal or proxy votes |
Source: PR Act Sections 26, 28, 29; Election Rules 56, 58, 59, 61, 62, 65–66; voting method SEC order 1711 (13.02.2026); ballot colours SEC letter 1323 (03.02.2026)
Party symbols
Sarpanch and panch polls are non-party — candidates get only free symbols, not a party's reserved symbol (Rule 29(3)(i), SEC notification 4191, 17.10.2025). In panchayat samiti and zila parishad member polls, and for pradhan/zila pramukh, recognised parties can field candidates on their reserved symbols (SEC notification 4196, 17.10.2025).
Counting and results
- Sarpanch & ward panch: counted at the gram panchayat HQ as soon as polling ends; result the same day (SEC letter 1323).
- Up-sarpanch: elected at a meeting the day after the panch/sarpanch poll.
- Panchayat samiti & zila parishad: booth-wise EVM count on the date set in the district notification (SEC letter 1299).
- Then the pradhan, up-pradhan, zila pramukh and up-pramukh are elected.
Term
Every Panchayati Raj institution lasts 5 years from its first meeting (Section 17(1)); the meeting that elects the up-sarpanch or the pradhan/zila pramukh counts as the first meeting. Panchayats elected in 2020–21 have completed their term and are currently run by administrators.
When the 2026 election is
As of 28 Sep 2026 the State Election Commission has not announced the 2026 panchayat election programme; its letter of 16 Sep 2026 says the announcement is due “shortly”. Reservation lotteries are done — zila pramukh on 13 Aug, ZP/PS wards and pradhan on 23 Sep, sarpanch and ward panch on 24 Sep 2026.
Frequently asked questions
When will Rajasthan's 2026 panchayat elections be held?
As of 28 Sep 2026 the State Election Commission has not announced polling dates; its letter of 16 Sep 2026 says the announcement is due shortly. Under the High Court's order, Panchayati Raj polls follow the municipal elections. Dates will be added here as soon as they are announced.
Is the sarpanch election by EVM or ballot box?
In 2026 sarpanch and ward panch voting is by ballot box, and panchayat samiti and zila parishad members by EVM (SEC order, 13 Feb 2026).
Who elects the pradhan?
The elected panchayat samiti members choose the pradhan and up-pradhan from among themselves — voters don't elect the pradhan directly.
How is the zila pramukh elected?
The elected zila parishad members choose the zila pramukh and up-pramukh from among themselves by secret ballot; no postal or proxy votes.
How is the up-sarpanch chosen?
The day after the panch/sarpanch poll, the newly elected panches and sarpanch choose the up-sarpanch by secret ballot.
How long is a sarpanch's term?
5 years from the panchayat's first meeting (Section 17, Panchayati Raj Act).
Is the sarpanch election fought on party symbols?
No. Sarpanch and panch candidates get only free symbols; party symbols are used in panchayat samiti and zila parishad member polls.
Sources
Every fact on this page comes from these official documents
- SEC — Manual of Panchayati Raj Election Law 2026 (Act & Rules) (sec.rajasthan.gov.in)
- SEC order 1711 (13.02.2026) — EVM and ballot-box voting (sec.rajasthan.gov.in)
- SEC letter 1323 (03.02.2026) — sarpanch/panch ballots and counting (sec.rajasthan.gov.in)
- SEC letter 1299 (03.02.2026) — EVM counting (sec.rajasthan.gov.in)
- SEC notification 4191 (17.10.2025) — free symbols (sec.rajasthan.gov.in)
- SEC notification 4196 (17.10.2025) — party reserved symbols (sec.rajasthan.gov.in)
- SEC letter 8918 (16.09.2026) — announcement due shortly (sec.rajasthan.gov.in)
- SEC — Panchayat general election 2026 (sec.rajasthan.gov.in)
General information, not legal advice. Rules change — confirm with the State Election Commission / Returning Officer before filing a nomination or any official use. Disclaimer