Voting for the first phase of the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Elections 2026 commenced at 7:00 AM across 16 districts, with rural voters turning out in substantial numbers to elect Sarpanches and Ward Panchs. Key local contests are underway via paper ballots, with heightened administrative and security presence deployed to oversee the election process. Armed personnel have been stationed across sensitive and hyper-sensitive polling stations to maintain law and order, while district administrations conduct field inspections to ensure peaceful and fair voting. District-Level Polling Highlights DistrictKey Areas / BlocksPolling Details & Candidate MetricsDungarpur7 Panchayat Samitis232 Gram Panchayats with 1,462 Sarpanch candidates and 1,870 Ward Panch seats; 5,21,601 eligible voters across 595 booths. Vote counting commences immediately post-polling.RajsamandAmet, Charbhuja, Kumbhalgarh, Khamnor, DelwaraActive voting underway. Booth 44 in Upli Odan drew procedural scrutiny when an ink mark was applied to the left hand of a differently-abled voter lacking a right palm.AjmerPisangan, Sarwar, Sawar, Kekri, Srinagar, Ajmer RuralHeavy morning turnout; strategic deployment of armed police squads across identified sensitive stations.DholpurRural Blocks & Border CheckpointsIntensive patrolling led by District SP Vikas Sangwan to deter voter intimidation and maintain vigil over anti-social elements. Key Electoral Dynamics Grassroots Governance Focus: Voters are casting ballots based on key civic priorities, notably drinking water availability, local sanitation systems, primary health infrastructure, and rural road networks. Paper Ballot Process: Elections for both Sarpanch and Ward Panch positions are being conducted via traditional ballot papers. Immediate Counting Protocols: In several jurisdictions, including Dungarpur, counting of ballots begins shortly after the scheduled close of polling, with remaining official declarations governed by State Election Commission schedules. Post navigation UP MLC Polls: High-Stakes Contest Between BJP and SP Across 72 Districts
