The State Election Commission of Odisha has announced by-elections for various rural local body positions, including Zilla Parishad Members, Panchayat Samiti Members, Sarpanchs, and Ward Members.
The elections have been scheduled for June 23, with counting set to take place on June 24.
The nomination process will begin on May 26 and continue until May 31, excluding government holidays. The Model Code of Conduct will remain in effect in the concerned constituencies from May 20 to June 24. According to the commission’s notification, these vacancies have arisen due to reasons such as resignation, disqualification, death, or the absence of eligible candidates for reserved seats.
Zilla Parishad elections will be held in districts including Kendrapara, Keonjhar, and Sambalpur, covering constituencies such as Derabish and Rajnagar. Additionally, fresh elections for 771 Ward Member positions have been scheduled in 13 districts due to seat de-reservation caused by a lack of eligible candidates from reserved categories.
The Election Commission has instructed officials to ensure strict compliance with the Model Code of Conduct and facilitate fair polling. Political parties have been directed to submit the necessary nomination forms within the specified deadline.