The Pali-Thauli area panchayat bypoll in Almora’s Bhikiyasen block recorded a 31.72% voter turnout, with only 551 of the seat’s 1738 registered voters casting ballots on Monday.

6 candidates are contesting the seat, and all have claimed they will win. The result is scheduled to be declared on 14 October.

Why the seat was contested

The seat became vacant after the death of Satish Nainwal, who had served as the Pali-Thauli area panchayat member and former Bhikiyasen block chief. The bypoll was held to fill the position.

Pali-Thauli covers the gram panchayats of Naughariya, Lachmola, Gangoda, Matela, Thauli, Pali and Dumdoli, among others. The low participation has become a subject of discussion in the area.

More than 850 voters had participated in the election held in 2025. The current poll therefore drew considerably fewer voters, although the available report does not give a reason for the reduced participation.

Result and political significance

The 14 October result will determine which of the 6 candidates wins the vacant area panchayat seat. It is also being watched for its possible effect on political activity in Bhikiyasen.

After the Pali-Thauli result, activity linked to the Bhikiyasen block chief election is expected to intensify. The outcome will therefore decide the candidates’ immediate political fortunes and contribute to the area’s broader political picture.

Conclusion

The Pali-Thauli bypoll saw a 31.72% turnout, with 551 voters participating from an electorate of 1738. The result, due on 14 October, will fill the vacant seat and may influence political developments around the Bhikiyasen block chief election.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What was the voter turnout in the Pali-Thauli bypoll?

The turnout was 31.72%.

Q. How many voters cast their ballots?

A total of 551 voters voted.

Q. How many voters were registered for the seat?

The seat had 1738 registered voters.

Q. How many candidates are contesting the bypoll?

6 candidates are contesting the election.

Q. When will the result be declared?

The result is scheduled to be declared on 14 October.

Q. Why was the bypoll held?

The seat became vacant after the death of Satish Nainwal, the Pali-Thauli area panchayat member and former Bhikiyasen block chief.

Q. Which area does the seat cover?

The seat includes gram panchayats such as Naughariya, Lachmola, Gangoda, Matela, Thauli, Pali and Dumdoli.