Manipur has initiated the process for the 2026 Rajya Sabha election, with nominations open till June 8 and polling scheduled on June 18 if contested.
Imphal, June 1: The process for the biennial election to the Rajya Sabha from Manipur formally commenced on Monday with the issuance of the election notification by the Returning Officer for the Council of States election.
According to the notification issued by Rohit Sapam, Returning Officer and Secretary of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, one Rajya Sabha seat from Manipur will become vacant following the retirement of the incumbent member on June 21, 2026. The election will be conducted by the elected members of the Manipur Legislative Assembly to fill the vacancy.
The notification was issued under Section 29(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, in pursuance of the Election Commission of India's notification dated June 1, 2026.
As per the election schedule, nomination papers may be submitted at the Manipur Legislative Assembly Secretariat, Imphal, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on working days up to June 8, 2026. Candidates may file their nominations either personally or through their proposers before Assistant Returning Officer L. Dhanashyam Singh at the Assembly Secretariat.
Election officials stated that nomination forms will be available at the designated office during the nomination period.
The scrutiny of nomination papers has been scheduled for June 9 at 11 a.m. at the Manipur Legislative Assembly Secretariat. Candidates wishing to withdraw from the contest may do so until 3 p.m. on June 11.
In the event of a contest, polling will take place on June 18 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The Returning Officer has fixed the Banquet Hall of the Manipur Legislative Assembly Secretariat at Chingmeirong, Imphal, as the polling venue, subject to the approval of the Election Commission of India.
A separate notification issued by the Returning Officer confirmed the polling station and venue arrangements for the election. The poll will be conducted by elected members of the Manipur Legislative Assembly in accordance with the provisions governing Rajya Sabha elections.
Rajya Sabha members are elected indirectly by elected legislators through a system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. The upcoming election will determine Manipur's representation in the Upper House of Parliament for the next term.
The election process is expected to conclude after polling on June 18, if required, followed by the counting of votes and declaration of results as per the Election Commission's prescribed procedure.
