Maharashtra Municipal Elections 2026: Complete Schedule for 29 Civic Bodies Announced
The Maharashtra State Election Commission has announced the schedule for municipal elections to 29 civic bodies across the state, with nomination filing opening in late December and polling set for mid-January 2026.
Key dates (overview)
Nominations are scheduled to open on 23 December 2025 and close on 30 December 2025, with scrutiny of nominations on 31 December 2025 and the last date for withdrawal of candidature on 2 January 2026. The final list of candidates is expected to be published in early January, polling will be held on 15 January 2026, and counting of votes on 16 January 2026.
Which civic bodies are included
The schedule covers 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other major urban local bodies that will go to poll on the announced dates.
Nomination process and candidate timeline
Prospective candidates must file their nominations within the window from 23 to 30 December 2025. Nominations will be scrutinised on 31 December 2025 to ensure eligibility and adherence to reservation and paperwork requirements. Candidates who wish to withdraw may do so by 2 January 2026, after which the final list of contesting candidates will be published in early January.
Polling and counting
Polling for the 29 civic bodies is scheduled for 15 January 2026. Counting of votes will take place on 16 January 2026, with results expected to be declared the same day unless the State Election Commission directs otherwise.
Reservation and ward arrangements
Each municipal corporation follows the ward-wise reservation matrix determined by the State Election Commission, which includes reservations for women, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes as applicable. Final ward-wise candidate lists and reserved seat details will be available with the publication of the finalized candidate list in early January.
Administrative preparations and timelines for election officials
Following the announcement, election officials will complete logistical arrangements including polling station allocation, deployment of polling personnel, security arrangements, and voter list verification. The SEC typically issues detailed instructions to returning officers and municipal authorities to ensure compliance with the announced schedule.
How this affects voters
Registered voters in the affected municipal areas should check their names and polling stations once the final lists are published. Voters are advised to carry valid identity documents accepted at polling stations and to verify polling times and locations ahead of 15 January 2026.
Political context and implications
The municipal elections are significant for local governance and political positioning ahead of state and national electoral cycles. Results from these civic body polls will be watched for signals about party strengths in urban Maharashtra and for their impact on local administration, service delivery and civic priorities for the coming term.
Where to get official updates
Official updates, notifications and the detailed ward-wise schedule will be issued by the Maharashtra State Election Commission and the respective municipal corporations; voters and candidates should consult the SEC notices and municipal office channels for authoritative documents and any amendments to the schedule.
For media and observers, the election timetable provides a clear sequence of administrative steps from nomination to counting, enabling monitoring of candidate filings, campaign periods and election-day arrangements across the 29 civic bodies.
