Pune Municipal Elections 2025: Nomination Process to Begin December 23; Administration Targets 90% Voter Turnout

Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 17th December 2025: With the announcement of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) General Elections 2025-26 program by the State Election Commission, the civic administration has shifted into high gear.

On Wednesday (Dec 17), the Municipal Commissioner and City Election Officer Naval Kishore Ram held a high-level review meeting to outline the roadmap for a free, fair, and transparent election process. The meeting was attended by the Additional Municipal Commissioner (Special), Deputy Commissioner (Election), Returning Officers, and heads of various election cells.

Key Dates and Preparations
According to the directives issued during the meeting, the distribution and acceptance of printed nomination papers will commence on December 23, 2025. To facilitate this, officials have been instructed to ensure that the offices of the Election Returning Officers are fully functional by December 20.

Code of Conduct and City Cleanup
The Commissioner issued strict instructions regarding the Model Code of Conduct. Officials have been directed to ensure total compliance, with orders to file criminal cases immediately if any violations are detected.

In a move to clean up the city skyline, the administration has ordered the immediate removal of all unauthorized hoardings, banners, and posters. Action will also be taken against encroachments to ensure the city remains clean and orderly during the election period.

Focus on Accessibility and Turnout
A significant highlight of the 2025 election plan is the ambitious target to achieve a voting percentage of over 90%. To achieve this, the administration will launch extensive public awareness campaigns through various media channels. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have been tasked with ensuring 100% distribution of voter slips.

To assist voters, particularly the elderly, women, and Divyang (persons with disabilities), polling stations will be prioritized on ground floors.

‘Single Window’ for Candidates
To streamline the process for candidates, the PMC has implemented a ‘Single Window Cell’ system for obtaining ‘No Dues Certificates’. Through this system, a final No Objection Certificate (NOC)—covering 22 different municipal departments—will be available online.

Operators have been appointed at every ward office to assist candidates in understanding the process and filling out online applications.

Expenditure Monitoring
The Election Expenditure Cell has been directed to monitor the daily expenses of candidates strictly in accordance with the Election Commission’s guidelines.

The Commissioner concluded the meeting by emphasizing the sensitivity of the election process, directing all officers to maintain close coordination and report any issues immediately to ensure smooth conduct of the polls.