Strict Election Guidelines Issued for Upcoming Municipal Polls in Dalhousie
Election Regulations for Dalhousie Municipal Elections
Subhash Mahajan
Dalhousie
The District Magistrate and Election Officer, Mukesh Repswal, has implemented stringent regulations under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), in conjunction with the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Act of 1994, ahead of the municipal elections set for May 17, 2026 in Chamba, Dalhousie, and Chuwari.
As per the directives, all forms of election campaigning, public gatherings, processions, entertainment events, and activities aimed at influencing voters will be banned from 3 PM on May 15, 2026, until the polling concludes on May 17, 2026.
Key regulations include:
- No election-related activities within 100 meters of polling stations on election day.
- Prohibition of loudspeakers, megaphones, and any form of sloganeering near polling locations.
- Carrying weapons near polling stations is strictly forbidden, except for authorized personnel.
- Sale, distribution, and serving of alcohol or intoxicants at hotels, restaurants, dhabas, liquor shops, or any public/private venue will be strictly prohibited from 3 PM on May 15 until the results are announced.
The District Magistrate highlighted that these measures are crucial for ensuring law and order, public peace, and transparency throughout the electoral process. Any violations will result in penalties under the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Act of 1994 and Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.