The Election Commission of India (ECI) is likely to announce the schedule for Assembly elections in five states—Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur—by the end of December 2026 or during the first week of January 2027. Preparations are gathering pace, with the Commission expected to conduct review visits and meetings in the poll-bound states before finalising the election programme.
According to reports, the Election Commission may visit all five states in the last week of November or the first week of December. During these visits, officials are expected to hold meetings over two days with election-related authorities and other stakeholders to assess preparedness and ensure free and fair polling.
Teams led by officials at the Deputy Election Commissioner level have already inspected the states and submitted their reports. The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners are expected to finalise their tour schedule after reviewing these assessments.
Assembly Terms and Poll Challenges
The Assembly terms in Manipur, Goa, Punjab and Uttarakhand are due to end by March 2027, while the Uttar Pradesh Assembly's term runs until May 22, 2027. Elections in the four states are therefore expected to take place in February or March.
The Commission will also have to consider possible scheduling challenges arising from the February board examinations, the Census exercise and winter conditions. Cold waves, fog and poor visibility in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjab could influence the polling timetable.
The final dates, number of polling phases and counting schedule will be confirmed only after the Election Commission officially releases its notification.
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