Municipal elections on Nov 26, panchayat polling in 3 phases

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh is gearing up for a major round of local body elections, with the State Election Commission (SEC) on Thursday issuing the notification for the remaining 23 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and announcing preparations for gram panchayat elections in three phases across the state. With court disputes that stalled polling in several urban local bodies now resolved, the SEC has moved to complete the pending municipal election process. Polling in the 23 ULBs will be held on November 26, re-polling, if necessary, on November 27, and counting on November 30. The Model Code of Conduct has come into immediate effect in these urban areas.

The pending elections cover four municipal corporations-Srikakulam, Kakinada, Rajamahendravaram and Mangalagiri-Tadepalli- and 19 municipalities and Nagar Panchayats, including Amadalavalasa, Rajam, Palakollu, Bhimavaram, Tadepalligudem, Tanuku, Gudivada, Narasaraopet, Bapatla, Kavali, Gudur and Srikalahasti.

The municipal schedule provides for election notices on November 14, nominations up to November 16, scrutiny on November 17 and withdrawals by November 19. Indirect elections to the 23 ULBs will be held on December 5 or 6.

Separately, gram panchayat elections will be conducted in three phases. Notifications will be issued on November 13, 16 and 19, with polling scheduled for November 26, 29 and December 2, respectively. Counting and declaration of results will take place on the same day as polling in each phase.

State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha reviewed arrangements through a video conference with collectors, police commissioners, SPs, senior police officials and election observers. He directed officials to give the highest priority to law and order, ensuring candidates can file nominations freely and voters can exercise their franchise without fear.

Additional nomination centres, police escorts and adequate security will be arranged wherever necessary. CCTV cameras and video recording at nomination centres, strong rooms and counting centres will follow Supreme Court guidelines. Election complaints must also be addressed promptly. A special review meeting with SPs of 12 districts will be held in Tirupati on November 14.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The Hans India