1,104 Polling Stations Set Up In 222 Wards; Vijayawada Accounts For 848
Officials checked ballot papers, ballot boxes and other material before dispatching polling personnel to their respective stations.
Vijayawada:The NTR district administration has completed arrangements for municipal elections scheduled for Sunday, November 1, with polling to be held from 7 am to 5 pm.
NTR district collector and district election officer Dr G. Lakshmisha said elections would be held in 222 wards of the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) and four municipalities in the district. A total of 1,104 polling stations had been set up, including 848 within VMC limits.
On Saturday, Lakshmisha, accompanied by election expenditure observer B. Vijay Kumar and VMC Commissioner H.M. Dhyanachandra, inspected the election material distribution centre at Andhra Loyola College. Officials checked ballot papers, ballot boxes and other material before dispatching polling personnel to their respective stations.
Forty-five returning officers supervised the distribution of materials for the mayoral and 86 divisional elections in Vijayawada. Each polling station has a presiding officer, assistant presiding officer, polling officers and other supervisory personnel.
The collector said sensitive and hypersensitive polling stations had been identified and CCTV cameras and webcasting facilities arranged. Polling personnel had also been trained. After polling, ballot boxes would be transported under security to the reception centre at Loyola College and deposited in strongrooms under police protection.
Addressing representatives of political parties, Lakshmisha stressed the need to comply with the Model Code of Conduct. Tents would not be permitted within 200 metres of polling stations, while Section 144 would be enforced within 100 metres. Voter slips must not carry party symbols or identifying marks. Candidates entering polling booths must wear identity cards issued by presiding officers and avoid party scarves. Polling agents obstructing officials or disturbing order would face legal action.
Expenditure observer Vijay Kumar said shadow registers were being maintained to monitor candidates' election expenses. Flying squads, static surveillance teams, the MCMC and accounting teams were monitoring violations and acting on complaints.
The collector announced a paid holiday on November 1 for employees of shops, commercial establishments and private institutions in areas going to polls, under the AP Shops and Establishments Act, 1988. Violations would invite legal action.
Voters must carry any one of the approved identification documents, including Aadhaar, driving licence, PAN card, passport, job card, pension document or service identity card. Lakshmisha urged all eligible voters to exercise their franchise.
