Panchayat Elections in States

Holding of elections to the Panchayats is the responsibility of the State Governments and the State Election Commissions. The Constitution mandates that where the Part IX of the Constitution applies, Panchayat elections be conducted every five years, under the overall superintendence, direction and control of the State Election Commission. The Constitution also empowers the State Legislations to make laws regarding elections. Panchayat elections are held in the States where Part IX of the Constitution applies as mandated by the Constitution. Elections to Panchayats in Andhra Pradesh scheduled in 2011 could not be held because of a stay by the High Court of Andhra Pradesh on account of percentage of reservation of seats and offices for people belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Elections to Panchayats in Puducherry have been held up because of administrative difficulties.