The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially set the stage for the 2026 Puducherry Legislative Assembly elections. According to the schedule announced on Sunday, the Union Territory will go to the polls in a single phase on April 9, 2026. With the current assembly’s term expiring on June 15, the ECI aims to complete the government formation process well before the deadline. A significant electorate of 9,44,211 voters is eligible to participate in this democratic festival.

Puducherry comprises 30 assembly constituencies, out of which 23 are in the Puducherry district, 5 in Karaikal, and one each in Mahe and Yanam. Of these 30 seats, 5 are reserved for Scheduled Caste candidates. The voter demographics show a unique trend with female voters (approx. 5 lakh) outnumbering male voters (approx. 4.43 lakh), making the women’s vote a decisive factor for all political parties. The EC has planned 1,099 polling stations with 100% webcasting facilities to ensure a fair and peaceful election.

The political battle is expected to be a direct face-off between the ruling AINRC-BJP alliance and the DMK-led opposition. Chief Minister N. Rangasamy is eyeing a second consecutive term, banking on his government’s welfare schemes. However, the opposition, bolstered by a strong alliance between the Congress and DMK, is looking to capitalize on anti-incumbency factors. As the counting of votes is scheduled for May 4 along with four other states, Puducherry is bracing for a summer of high-voltage political drama that will culminate in a new government by the first week of June.