VMC elections on Oct 28, results on Oct 30

Vijayawada: The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) elections for the mayor and 86 division corporator posts will be held on October 28, with counting of votes and declaration of results scheduled for October 30. The State Election Commission has issued a separate notification for the VMC elections, bringing the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) into force and prompting the civic administration to step up preparations.

The nomination process will be held from October 16 to 18, followed by scrutiny of nominations on October 19. October 21 is the last date for withdrawal of nominations. The State Election Commission (SEC) clarified that there is no provision for appeals in urban local body elections.

Taking the election schedule into account, VMC Commissioner HM Dhyanachandra on Wednesday held a teleconference with departmental heads and directed them to strictly implement the election code and complete all arrangements within the prescribed deadlines.

He instructed officials to immediately cover statues of political leaders and remove political posters, banners and other campaign material in accordance with election rules. The restriction on campaigning within 100 metres of polling stations must be enforced strictly. He warned that violations would invite action under the relevant rules.

The Commissioner directed officials to inspect every polling station and ensure the availability of basic facilities, including drinking water, electricity, fans and ramps. Departments must coordinate closely and discharge their assigned election duties without any lapses.

Additional Commissioner (General) A Ravindra Rao, the nodal officer for election management, was asked to coordinate preparations across departments and monitor progress regularly. Additional Commissioner (Projects) Dr D Chandrasekhar was instructed to arrange counting centres and ensure the availability of technical infrastructure required for webcasting.

Chief City Planner G Ratna Kumar was directed to arrange printing of election material and route-wise transport, while Veterinary Assistant Surgeon Dr Devina Harish was asked to complete training for polling personnel on time. Chief Engineer P Satyakumari was instructed to ensure that all required infrastructure was available at polling stations.

Dhyanachandra stressed that election duties should not disrupt routine civic services or public activities. With Dasara Sharannavaratri celebrations, the SARAS Mela and Vijayawada Utsav also taking place in the city, he directed officials to coordinate the arrangements for all these events alongside election preparations and maintain close monitoring until the electoral process is completed.

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The Hans India