The crucial phase of the municipal election process begins today, as authorities prepare to elect Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons across the state. The election proceedings started at 11 AM. Officials will first administer the oath to newly elected corporators in Nalgonda and councillors in other municipalities. Immediately after the oath ceremony, members will conduct the Chairperson election, followed by the Vice Chairperson election.
Officials expect most municipalities in the undivided district to complete the process smoothly today.
Election Process and Voting Method
Members will elect both the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson through a show-of-hands voting system. If the required quorum is not present, officials will postpone the election to the next day. If quorum remains insufficient on the rescheduled day, authorities will report the matter to the State Election Commission and announce a new date as per further directions.
District Collectors and Municipal Commissioners have already informed all elected members to attend the oath-taking ceremony. Election authorities have also issued notices to ex officio members, asking them to participate in the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Chairperson, and Vice Chairperson elections.
Webcasting and Monitoring by Election Authorities
State Election officials and the Municipal Administration Commissioner will monitor the Mayor and Chairperson elections through live webcasting. This step aims to ensure transparency and prevent procedural lapses during the voting process.
Across the state, 2,594 councillors have won in 116 municipalities, while 414 corporators secured victory in municipal corporations. Authorities will first conduct elections for Chairpersons and Mayors, followed by Vice Chairpersons and Deputy Mayors. If officials fail to elect a Chairperson or Mayor for any reason, they will postpone the election of the Vice Chairperson or Deputy Mayor.
Voting Rights and Tie-Breaking Procedure
Councillors and corporators must cast their votes by raising their hands. MLAs, MLCs, Lok Sabha MPs, and Rajya Sabha MPs hold voting rights as ex officio members in these elections.
If the votes result in a tie, the Returning Officer will decide the winner through a lottery system. Officials will write each candidate’s name on five slips, mix them thoroughly, and draw one slip to declare the winner.
Election Code in Force
The State Election Commission (SEC) clarified that the election code of conduct will remain in force until the completion of the Chairperson and Mayor elections. Authorities have instructed district officials to issue immediate notices to winners or political parties if they violate the code.
Moreover, officials will take action against candidates under the election declaration and relevant rules if violations occur. The SEC has directed districts to submit regular reports to ensure strict compliance.
With all arrangements in place, today’s elections mark a decisive step in forming leadership bodies for municipalities and corporations across the state.
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