As State election commissioner of UP

Ensuring Democracy at the Grassroots: The Largest Ballot-Based Election in the World

As the State Election Commissioner of Uttar Pradesh, I have the honor of leading one of the most significant democratic exercises in the world—the elections for Rural and Urban Local Bodies. These elections, conducted entirely through ballot papers, are a testament to India’s deep-rooted commitment to democracy at the grassroots level.

A Legacy of Electoral Excellence

The State Election Commission, Uttar Pradesh (SEC-UP) was established on April 23, 1994, following the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, which revolutionized local governance. Since then, the commission has successfully conducted six Rural and Urban Local Body elections, ensuring transparency, fairness, and public participation.

The elections for Gram Panchayats (Village level), Kshetra Panchayats (Block level), Zila Panchayats (District Level), and Urban Local Bodies define the democratic foundation of Uttar Pradesh, empowering millions of citizens to shape their local governance.

Unparalleled Scale: The World’s Largest Ballot-Based Election

The sheer magnitude of these elections sets them apart from any other electoral process in the world. In the 2021 Panchayat elections, an astonishing 40 crore (400 million) ballot papers were used. Looking ahead to the 2026 Rural Local Body elections, this number is projected to reach a staggering 50 crore (500 million)—a feat unparalleled globally.

Key Election Statistics: ✅ Total Local Representatives Elected: 8,85,312 ( Rural 8,70,628 and Urban 14684)
✅ Total Registered Voters: 16.75 Crore (167.5 Million)
✅ Total Polling Stations: 2,45,727

Rural Local Body Elections 2021: Strengthening the Villages

The Panchayat elections in Uttar Pradesh are the backbone of rural governance, ensuring that democracy flourishes at the grassroots level.

Urban Local Body Elections 2023: A Vibrant Democratic Process

The Urban Local Body elections bring governance closer to the people in cities and towns, fostering development and civic participation.

Technology & Innovation: Transforming the Electoral Process

Recognizing the need for efficiency, transparency, and accuracy, the commission has developed its own advanced IT solutions to streamline election management. These digital advancements ensure:

✔ Seamless voter list preparation
✔ Efficient deployment of polling and counting staff
✔ Systematic handling of nominations, scrutiny, withdrawals, and symbol allotment
✔ Accurate polling and counting processes

A Commitment to Free & Fair Elections

The Uttar Pradesh State Election Commission stands as a beacon of transparency, integrity, and efficiency. Successfully conducting the largest ballot-based elections in the world, our commitment is to empower every citizen, ensuring their voice is heard at the grassroots level.

✨ Democracy thrives when people participate, and Uttar Pradesh sets the global benchmark for local governance elections. ✨

🔹 Raj Pratap Singh, State Election Commissioner, Uttar Pradesh ( 7th March 2024 onwards)
🔹 Ensuring Democracy, Empowering People