The local panchayats are elected for a term of five years.Fresh elections are to be conducted before the expiry of the five-year term. If the panchayat is dissolved before the expiry of its term, elections are to be conducted within six months, and the new panchayat has to hold office for the remainder of the term if the term has more than six months duration. It will be for another five years if the remaining term is less than six months.