Biennial Elections to the Council of States to fill the seats of members retiring in April, 2026

**Executive Summary** This document announces the biennial elections to the Council of States to fill the 37 seats of members retiring in April 2026. It outlines the election schedule, including key dates for notification, nominations, poll, and vote counting. The document also specifies the use of integrated violet sketch pens for marking preferences and the appointment of observers to ensure fair elections. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Election Announcement:** * Biennial elections will be held for 37 Council of States seats. * The seats are for members retiring in April 2026, who represent 10 states. * **Election Schedule:** * Issue of Notifications: February 26, 2026 (Thursday) * Last date for making nominations: March 5, 2026 (Thursday) * Scrutiny of nominations: March 6, 2026 (Friday) * Last date for withdrawal of candidatures: March 9, 2026 (Monday) * Date of Poll: March 16, 2026 (Monday) * Hours of Poll: 09:00 am - 04:00 pm * Counting of Votes: March 16, 2026 (Monday) at 05:00 pm * Date before which election shall be completed: March 20, 2026 (Friday) * **Election Procedures:** * Only integrated violet color sketch pens of pre-fixed specification, provided by the Returning Officer, are allowed for marking preferences on ballot papers. * Observers will be appointed to closely monitor the election process. * **Retiring Members:** * Provides a state-wise list (Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Telangana) of the members retiring and their retirement date of 02.04.2026 or 09.04.2026. **Impact Analysis** * **Election Commission:** * **Impact:** Responsible for conducting the biennial elections to the Council of States. * **Action Required:** Execute the election according to the announced schedule and procedures. * **Candidates and Political Parties:** * **Impact:** Need to prepare and participate in the election process, adhering to the schedule and guidelines. * **Action Required:** File nominations, campaign, and ensure compliance with election regulations. * **Voters (Members of Legislative Assembly):** * **Impact:** Required to cast their votes to elect members of the Council of States. * **Action Required:** Participate in the polling process on March 16, 2026, using the provided violet sketch pens to mark preferences. * **Returning Officers:** * **Impact:** Responsible for overseeing the election process and ensuring its fairness and integrity. * **Action Required:** Provide specified pens for marking preferences and ensure close monitoring of the election. * **Election Observers:** * **Impact:** Responsible for monitoring the election process to ensure free and fair elections. * **Action Required:** Monitor the election process.

Key Entities Referenced