AP Government Asks Municipal Officials To Gear Up For Civic Polls

Municipal officials have been directed to gear up for the forthcoming general municipal elections. “Ensure that the polls are conducted transparently, impartially, and in accordance with the Constitution and State Election Commission guidelines,” principal secretary (Municipal Administration) S. Suresh Kumar emphasised on Tuesday.

Addressing a regional preparedness meeting on municipal elections at the Guntur Medical College auditorium through videoconference on Tuesday, the senior government officials disclosed that the election notification is likely to be issued soon. Completing preparations in advance would facilitate smooth conduct of the polls.

Suresh Kumar said these awareness meetings are being organised to familiarise officials with election procedures. He pointed out that even a minor lapse could lead to serious consequences. He directed officials to familiarise themselves with State Election Commission guidelines and ensure that voters have total clarity with regard to the voting process.

The principal secretary directed municipal commissioners to personally inspect polling stations and ensure that all arrangements are in place.

Municipal Administration commissioner and director P. Sampath Kumar said elections to mayors and municipal chairpersons would be held directly. Officials should keep track of such changes while preparing for the polls.

He stressed on meticulous verification of voter enrolment, additions, and deletions to prepare error-free electoral rolls. He directed officials to complete the reservation process as per rules and identify and inspect all polling stations in advance.

“The Model Code of Conduct and Green Code should be strictly enforced,” the commissioner underlined.

Guntur Municipal Corporation commissioner K. Mayur Ashok said local body elections would have to be completed within a short period once announced. Thus officials should remain prepared. He pointed to the sensitive nature of the polls and asked officials to thoroughly study statutory and non-statutory procedures and the Returning Officer’s handbook.

Mayur Ashok revealed that as the polling would be conducted through ballot boxes, officials should remain vigilant at every stage. He asked returning officers to conduct advance awareness programmes for political party representatives and issue prompt clarification in case rumours appear in the media.

Regional director Suryadevara Harikrishna said Guntur region has 33 municipalities. Preparations were underway for elections in 24 of them. Polls in the remaining municipalities would depend on the court directions.

Joint director Ravindra Babu wanted officials to be clear about the procedures to be followed before, during, and after the elections.