Maharashtra's State Election Commission has announced that elections for 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis will be held on February 5, 2026. Vote counting will take place on February 7. Announcing the schedule on January 13, SEC Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare said the model code of conduct is now in effect. The polls will cover 12 districts with about 25,482 polling stations prepared. Voting hours are set from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Nomination papers will be accepted from January 16 to 18, scrutinized on January 19, and the last date for withdrawal is January 21. Symbols will be allotted and the final candidate list published on January 22. The voter list from the Election Commission of India, as of July 1, 2025, will be used without additions or deletions now. Electronic Voting Machines will be used extensively to ensure smooth polling. Special facilities like ramps, wheelchairs, drinking water, and toilets will be available at polling stations for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and voters with infants. "Where feasible, all-women polling stations will be established in areas with a high number of women voters," said Mr. Waghmare. Thousands of election officers and staff have been appointed for smooth administration. Expenditure limits for candidates have been fixed separately for Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti seats based on electoral size. Mr. Waghmare warned, "Strict action will be taken against violations of the Model Code of Conduct," noting that campaigning must end 48 hours before polling begins.