Maharashtra Local Body Elections on December 2; State Election Commission Announces Schedule, Results on December 3

Mumbai:
The much-awaited Maharashtra local body elections have finally been announced. State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare on Monday (November 4) declared that polling for municipal councils and nagar panchayats across Maharashtra will be held on December 2, 2025, while results will be declared on December 3, 2025.

After a prolonged delay, the official announcement marks the start of a politically charged period across the state, with parties gearing up for local-level battles.

According to the Election Commission, a total of 246 municipal councils and 42 nagar panchayats will go to polls in this phase. The total number of voters stands at 1.07 crore, and 13,355 polling stations have been arranged with all necessary facilities.

The elections will be conducted using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to ensure a transparent and efficient process.

Election Schedule:

Filing of Nominations: November 10 to November 17

Scrutiny of Nominations: November 18

Withdrawal of Candidature: November 21–25

Final Candidate List: November 26

Voting Day: December 2, 2025

Counting of Votes: December 3, 2025

In line with a High Court directive to conduct local body polls before January 31, 2026, the commission has finalized this schedule to meet the deadline.

Online Nomination System Introduced:

For the first time, candidates will be able to file nominations online through the State Election Commission’s portal. Additionally, submission of valid caste certificates has been made mandatory for reserved category candidates.

Each municipal council will have 20 to 75 members, and voters will be allowed to vote for one candidate per ward.

Waghmare stated that all logistics and manpower arrangements are being completed to ensure free, fair, and smooth elections throughout the state.