VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) has rescheduled the polling for the Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency (MPTC) and Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) elections from November 3 to 5.
State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha announced on Wednesday that elections to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) would be held as scheduled on November 1, despite the impact of Cyclone Arnab on some districts.
The SEC took the decision after consulting Collectors and District Election Authorities in cyclone-affected districts, and assessing the situation. Based on the assurances given by the district officials, the SEC came to a decision that there was no need to reschedule the civic polls.
As per the revised schedule, polling for the MPTC and ZPTC elections will take place on November 5. Repolling, if necessary, will be held on November 6. Counting of votes and declaration of results have been rescheduled from November 5 to 7. The revised schedule with regard to the MPTC and ZPTC elections was notified by the SEC on Wednesday.
No change in schedule of municipal polls
For Urban Local Bodies, polling will be held on November 1, repolling, if required, on November 2, and counting and declaration of results on November 3.
The SEC explained that the counting of votes for civic polls was earlier scheduled for November 3, the same day of polling for MPTC and ZPTC elections. Conducting both the activities simultaneously would place excessive pressure on the available police force and polling staff. Hence, the MPTC and ZPTC elections were rescheduled.
The election notification for the second ordinary elections to MPTCs and ZPTCs was issued on October 19. The lists of contesting candidates were published after 3 pm on October 27, and results in uncontested constituencies were also declared. The ULB election schedule had earlier been revised on October 22 in compliance with the Supreme Court’s order dated October 21.