EC Announces Bye-election Schedule for Six Seats Across Four States

The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for bye-elections to fill vacancies in five assembly constituencies and one parliamentary constituency across four states. The polls will be held on October 6, 2026, with counting of votes slated for October 9, 2026.

The vacancies have arisen due to the resignations of sitting members. In Tamil Nadu, elections will be held for the Madurantakam (SC) and Dharapuram (SC) assembly seats, which fell vacant following the resignations of Tmt. Maragatham Kumaravel and Tmt. P. Sathyabama, respectively. In Puducherry, the Thattanchavady assembly seat will go to polls after the resignation of Thiru N. Rangasamy. West Bengal will see bye-elections for the Rejinagar and Nandigram assembly constituencies, vacated by Sh. Humayun Kabir and Sh. Suvendu Adhikari. In Assam, the Nagaon parliamentary constituency will vote following the resignation of Sh. Pradyut Bordoloi.

The notification for the elections will be issued on September 9, 2026. The last date for filing nominations is September 16, followed by scrutiny on September 17. Candidates may withdraw their candidatures until September 19. The entire election process is scheduled to be completed by October 11, 2026.

The Commission has stated that the Model Code of Conduct comes into immediate effect in the districts where these constituencies are located. It has also confirmed that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) will be used at all polling stations.

Voters can use their Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) as the primary identification document. Other acceptable documents include Aadhaar cards, driving licenses, passports, and bank passbooks with photographs.

The Commission has reiterated its directives regarding candidates with criminal antecedents, requiring them to publicise their background in newspapers and on television on three separate occasions during the campaign period. Political parties fielding such candidates must also publish the reasons for their selection on their websites and social media platforms within 48 hours.

Furthermore, intending candidates who have occupied government accommodation in the last ten years can approach the relevant authorities to obtain a 'No Dues Certificate' before filing their nominations.