Jaipur: The State Election Commission (SEC) Saturday barred govt employees, elected representatives of local bodies, MPs, MLAs and MLCs, ministers, chairpersons and members of govt bodies and public sector undertakings from being appointed as polling agents for the 2026 Panchayati Raj elections. The restriction also covers govt or govt-aided institution employees, including part-time workers, Anganwadi workers, govt healthcare/paramedical staff and fair-price shop dealers.In an order issued to all district election officers, the commission said restrictions were to ensure equal opportunities among candidates and political parties.Under Rule 69 of Rajasthan Panchayati Raj (Election) Rules, 1994, a contesting candidate or his election agent can appoint one polling agent at each polling station for elections to the posts of sarpanch and members of Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads. The appointment must be made in duplicate in Form-9, signed by the candidate or election agent.The polling agent must present the appointment letter and a photo identity card to the presiding officer on polling day and sign the declaration in Form-9. The commission said any voter of the concerned panchayat area can be appointed as a polling agent, subject to the prescribed eligibility and disqualifications.Candidates or their election agents can revoke a polling agent’s appointment before polling begins through a written declaration. If a replacement is appointed, the revocation declaration and the new agent’s Form-9 appointment letter must be submitted to the polling officer.The commission also said polling agents can sign the EVM carrying case and affix their seals during the sealing process.It clarified that there will be no polling agent for the post of Panch, with the candidate himself permitted to perform the functions of a polling agent. There will also be no election agent for the post of Sarpanch.State Election Commissioner Rajeshwar Singh said SEC was awaiting compiled reservation-lottery data from Panchayati Raj Department before finalising a phased programme for upcoming panchayat elections.Singh cautioned people against rumours and fake orders about the poll process. He said the commission was consulting departments concerned and district election officers and would announce the election schedule soon.
