Kolkata, September 25, 2026 : Preparations for the upcoming civic elections in West Bengal have gathered pace, with the State Election Commission (SEC) setting out a detailed timeline covering EVMs, electoral rolls, polling stations, election personnel, security arrangements and expenditure monitoring.
The Commission is preparing for elections in eight urban local bodies, including the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC). Polls are also due in Bally, Haldia, Jhargram, Dhupguri, Kalimpong and Kurseong municipalities.
According to the proposed schedule, the SEC aims to complete the election process in all eight civic bodies by December 7, 2026.
EVM checking to start September 29
One of the major steps in the preparations will begin on September 29, when the First Level Checking (FLC) of EVMs is scheduled to start. The process is expected to continue until October 6.
During FLC, EVMs and associated equipment undergo technical checks and tests before being deployed for polling.
The SEC has also instructed officials to use the Election Machine Management System (EMMS) to monitor EVMs and manage the FLC process. The digital platform will also be used for managing election manpower and other related activities.
Voter list process begins in October
For the civic elections, the SEC has proposed using the Election Commission of India’s electoral roll published as of July 1, 2026.
The updated electoral roll is expected to reach the authorities in the first week of October. The draft voter list is likely to be uploaded during the second week of October, followed by publication of the final voter list in the first week of November.
The process is particularly significant in view of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) undertaken by the ECI in West Bengal. The final electoral roll published on February 28, 2026, contained 6,44,52,609 electors.
Around 6,300 polling stations expected
SEC preparations indicate that nearly 6,300 polling stations may be required for the eight civic elections.
Considering the prescribed ratio of one Presiding Officer to three polling staff, along with additional personnel requirements, the total number of polling personnel could cross 37,000.
Details related to the deployment and training of polling personnel will be handled through the EMMS portal. District authorities have also been asked to identify suitable venues for nomination-related activities and training programmes.
Polling stations being inspected
District officials and Municipal Returning Officers have been instructed to inspect polling stations and ensure that Minimum Assured Facilities (MAF) are available.
Authorities will also assess whether the existing infrastructure is sufficient to meet polling requirements. The draft and final polling station lists are expected to follow a timeline broadly aligned with the electoral roll process.
Sector-level and security preparations
The SEC has directed that sector-level preparations be completed by the first week of October. Sector officers will visit polling stations within their respective jurisdictions to examine accessibility, infrastructure and other requirements.
The Commission is also expected to issue detailed instructions regarding vulnerability assessment, risk assessment and law-and-order arrangements.
Coordination between the civil administration and police will therefore form an important part of the preparations.
The SEC has already asked authorities in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, South 24 Parganas, Howrah and Purba Medinipur to complete necessary preparations before the Durga Puja holidays.
Delimitation and reservation process underway
Work related to electoral constituency delimitation and seat reservation is also progressing.
District authorities have been asked to submit delimitation proposals by the second week of September. Draft proposals concerning seat reservation are expected by the middle of September, while the final reservation orders are scheduled to be issued by the end of October.
Election expenditure and Model Code of Conduct
The SEC has also directed district authorities to collect details of election expenditure from candidates who had filed nominations during the 2023 civic polls, using the prescribed format.
The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) will come into effect once the SEC issues the election notification. Its provisions will apply specifically to the municipal areas where elections are being conducted.
District authorities will also have to submit reports concerning implementation of the MCC and other election-related developments through the formats specified on the Commission's portal.
With preparations for EVMs, electoral rolls, polling stations, manpower, delimitation, reservation, security and expenditure progressing together, the SEC is moving closer to issuing the formal election schedule.
The Commission has proposed to complete the civic election process in the eight urban local bodies by December 7, 2026.
