BMC election results 2026: Why Mumbai may have to wait longer for the final verdict

BMC polls 2026

• BMC vote counting began at 23 centres with a new phase-wise process
• Final results may be delayed due to counting only two wards at a time per centre
• Strict security and access protocols are in place for the counting process

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The counting of votes for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections began at 10 am on Friday, with the exercise being conducted simultaneously at 23 counting centres across Mumbai.

However, unlike previous civic polls, officials have said that the declaration of final results may be delayed due to a revised, phase-wise counting process.

In the 2017 BMC elections, votes from all 227 civic wards were counted at the same time, allowing early trends and final outcomes to emerge relatively quickly. This year, the counting method has been changed. Instead of covering all wards simultaneously, each counting centre will process votes for only two wards at a time.

As a result, counting initially began for just 46 wards across the city’s 23 centres. Only after this phase is completed will counting move on to the remaining wards in subsequent rounds.

Because of this approach, comprehensive trends across Mumbai will not be available in the early hours of counting, potentially pushing back the announcement of final results.

Civic officials have acknowledged that this phased method could delay results by at least an hour compared to previous elections. However, they said that concentrating manpower on fewer wards at a time will help ensure greater accuracy and smoother management of the process.

Each of Mumbai’s 227 wards has been assigned a Returning Officer and counting halls and strong rooms have been finalised after inspections and clearances from the Public Works Department and the police.

To manage the exercise, the BMC has deployed 2,299 staff members, including supervisors, assistants and support personnel, all of whom have undergone prior training.

Security and access protocols will be strictly enforced. Entry into counting halls will be limited to authorised candidates, their representatives and accredited media personnel carrying valid election-issued identity cards. Officials have urged all participants to adhere closely to guidelines issued by the Maharashtra State Election Commission.