Overview Elections for 12 Zilla Parishads (ZP) and 125 Panchayat Samitis in Maharashtra are set to take place on February 5, 2026 . The counting of votes will be conducted on February 7, 2026 . This announcement was made by a senior official on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 . Key Developments Election Schedule: The schedule was announced following the Supreme Court's extension of the deadline for completing local body elections by two weeks, setting the new deadline to January 31 . Model Code of Conduct: With the announcement by State Election Commission (SEC) Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare , the Model Code of Conduct has been implemented. Polling Coverage: The elections will cover Zilla Parishads in 12 districts and their corresponding 125 Panchayat Samitis . Polling Stations: Arrangements are being made for approximately 25,482 polling stations . Polling Time: Polling will be held from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM on February 5, 2026 . Election Process Details Nomination Process: Acceptance of nomination papers: January 16 - 18, 2026 Scrutiny of nominations: January 19, 2026 Last date for withdrawal of nominations: January 21, 2026 Allotment of symbols and publication of the final list of candidates: January 22, 2026 Voter List: The voter list prepared by the Election Commission of India as of July 1, 2025 , will be used. No additions or deletions are permitted at this stage. Voting Technology: Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) , including ballot units and control units, will be used. Special Provisions Facilities for Vulnerable Groups: Special facilities will be available for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and voters with infants, including ramps, wheelchairs, drinking water, and toilets. All-Women Polling Stations: Where feasible, all-women polling stations will be established in areas with a high number of women voters. Administrative and Regulatory Measures Administrative Arrangements: Extensive administrative arrangements have been made, including the appointment of thousands of election officers and staff. Expenditure Limits: Expenditure limits for candidates have been specified separately for Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti constituencies, based on the size of the electoral divisions. Model Code of Conduct Enforcement: Strict action will be taken against violations of the Model Code of Conduct, and campaigning will end 48 hours before the start of polling. UPSC Relevance This news is relevant to GS2: Polity and Governance , specifically concerning local governance and the role of the State Election Commission. Understanding the election process and the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct are crucial for Mains answers related to electoral reforms and governance at the grassroots level.