Supreme Court Sets October Deadline for Manipur Panchayat Elections

Imphal: Manipur is finally bringing local democracy back. The Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the revised election schedule on July 2. This ruling forces the state to hold the 6th General Panchayat Elections by October 16, 2026. The previous term expired back in 2022, but a June 2023 attempt failed due to state violence.

The State Cabinet set the official polling date for October 1. The State Election Commission prepared the rollout for districts including Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, Thoubal, and Bishnupur. Local administration currently relies on committees rather than elected officials. Officials claim "Democracy at the grassroots level is set to finally make its long-awaited return to Manipur."

The clock starts ticking in August. A public notification drops August 21. Candidates have until August 28 to file their paperwork. Scrutiny follows on August 29, and withdrawals must finish by September 1. If the situation demands a re-vote, the commission will hold it October 5. Officials will count the final ballots on October 8.