THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With all major processes in the run-up to the local body polls now completed, the stage is set for the State Election Commission to announce the elections any time soon.
State Election Commissioner A Shahjahan told the TNIE that the exact poll dates will be finalized after a final review of security preparedness with the police.
"The last major process was fixing reserved posts for the heads of councils of various local bodies, and the corresponding notifications were issued on Wednesday. After a final review of security preparedness, the polling and counting dates will be announced," Shahjahan said.
According to the official, the election declaration will be followed by the issuance of a formal notification. Eight days after the notification, the final list of candidates will emerge. "After the last date for withdrawal of nominations, a minimum of 14 days should be provided for campaigning, as per the law," he added. The 2020 local body elections had a campaign window of one month following the election declaration.
Considering these factors, the local body polls this year are expected to be held in the first or second week of December. Given the current security scenario, a two-phase poll, with seven districts in each phase, may be followed.
Local body elections have traditionally been held in two phases every five years since 1995. The exception was the previous local body election in 2020, which was conducted in three phases from December 8 to 14 due to various Covid-related restrictions.
"Since single-phase polling requires mobilization of a large number of additional forces from outside the state, chances are that two-phase polling will be adopted this time," indicated a top source. Unlike assembly or parliamentary elections conducted by the Election Commission of India, local body elections do not have the provision to requisition Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
Voters’ list
The state poll panel had published the final voters’ list on October 25. However, a two-day window on November 4 and 5 allowed citizens to enroll their names or make changes to the particulars provided.
"We have received close to four lakh applications, and hearings on these applications will be held on November 13," Shahjahan said. After verification, the additions and deletions will be included in a supplementary voters’ list to be published on November 14.