Chandigarh, May 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) today appealed to the State Election Commission to extend polling hours for the May 26 civic body elections from the present 8 am–5 pm schedule to 7 am–6 pm in public interest.
In a statement here, senior leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema said Punjab was facing extreme heat conditions and the present poll timings were
likely to discourage voter participation, particularly during peak afternoon hours. “An extended schedule will help ensure higher voter turnout and safer voting conditions for senior citizens, women and other vulnerable sections of society”, Dr Cheema asserted.
The SAD leader said the existing timings were also unfair to daily wagers and farm labourers who would be forced to choose between earning their livelihood and exercising their democratic right. “The Commission should take a practical and humanitarian view to facilitate maximum participation in the democratic process and extend them appropriately”, Dr Cheema asserted.
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