The Rajasthan State Election Commission has barred government employees, elected representatives and several categories of public-sector workers from being appointed as polling agents for the 2026 Panchayati Raj elections, citing the need to ensure equal opportunity for candidates and political parties.
The restriction applies to government employees, elected representatives of local bodies, MPs, MLAs and MLCs, ministers, chairpersons and members of government bodies, and employees of public sector undertakings. It also covers staff of government and government-aided institutions, including part-time workers, Anganwadi workers, government healthcare and paramedical personnel, and fair-price shop dealers.
The commission issued the order to all district election officers. Under Rule 69 of the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj (Election) Rules, 1994, a contesting candidate or election agent may appoint one polling agent at each polling station for elections to the posts of sarpanch and members of Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads.
The appointment must be submitted in duplicate through Form-9 and signed by the candidate or election agent. On polling day, the polling agent must present the appointment letter and a photo identity card to the presiding officer before signing the declaration in Form-9.
The SEC said any voter from the concerned panchayat area may be appointed as a polling agent, provided the person meets the prescribed eligibility conditions and is not covered by any disqualification. Candidates or their election agents may revoke an appointment before polling begins by submitting a written declaration. Where a replacement is appointed, the revocation declaration and the new agent’s Form-9 appointment letter must be submitted to the polling officer.
Polling agents will be permitted to sign the EVM carrying case and affix their seals during the sealing process, according to the commission’s clarification. The SEC also stated that there will be no polling agent for the post of Panch. The candidate may perform the functions of a polling agent for that post. There will also be no election agent for the post of Sarpanch.
State Election Commissioner Rajeshwar Singh said the commission was awaiting compiled reservation-lottery data from the Panchayati Raj Department before finalising a phased programme for the elections. The reservation data is required before the election schedule can be completed and announced.
Singh said the commission was consulting the departments concerned and district election officers. He also cautioned the public against rumours and fake orders relating to the election process. The SEC is expected to announce the election schedule after the reservation-lottery data is compiled and the administrative consultations are completed.
