Chandigarh: Political activity in Punjab has intensified ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) expected to visit the state by the end of November.
After completing a review of all five poll-bound states by the last week of December, the Election Commission may officially announce the Assembly election dates for Punjab and other states in the first week of January. Elections in Punjab are likely to be held in late February or the first week of March.
The term of the present Punjab government and chief minister ends on March 16, 2027. The Election Commission will have to complete the elections before then.
A look at the 2022 election timeline shows that an Election Commission team visited Punjab on December 15 and 16, 2021. The Model Code of Conduct came into force 24 days later, on January 8, 2022. Voting was held on February 20, and the results were declared on March 10.
Ahead of the CEC’s upcoming visit, teams of senior Election Commission officials had already visited Punjab on October 27 and 28. They have submitted their reports to the commission.
The Election Commission will meet representatives of recognised political parties at the national and state levels to hear their complaints, suggestions and demands. Political parties are expected to raise issues related to free and fair elections, deployment of officials, security arrangements and the election process.
Review of preparations with DCs and SSPs
Meetings will also be held with district deputy commissioners (DCs), police commissioners and senior superintendents of police (SSPs). The discussions will review district-wise election preparations, administrative arrangements, officials’ responsibilities and coordination among departments during the elections.
