Chhattisgarh Civic Elections: A Game-Changer in Local Governance

Chattisgarh - Chhattisgarh's urban body elections on February 11, 2025, have ushered in a new era of local governance, with significant reforms and unprecedented voter engagement.

In a landmark move, the state cabinet approved direct elections for mayors in municipal corporations and chairpersons in municipal bodies, replacing the previous indirect election system. This change empowers citizens to directly choose their local leaders, enhancing democratic participation.

Chhattisgarh became the first state to synchronize urban body and three-tier panchayat elections, conducting them in a single phase on February 11. This approach reduces administrative burdens and ensures a unified electoral process.

Departing from the 2019 ballot paper system, the 2025 elections utilized Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for urban bodies, aiming to enhance transparency and efficiency. The three-tier panchayat elections, however, continued with ballot papers due to technical reasons.

The elections witnessed a remarkable voter turnout, reflecting increased civic awareness and participation. With over 4.47 million voters in urban areas and 15.81 million in rural areas, the elections set new records in voter engagement.