In the first phase of the local body elections announced by the Puducherry State Election Commission, municipalities and panchayats in the outlying regions of Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam would go to polls on Jan 4. The local bodies in Puducherry region have been split into phases two and three and the voting would be held on Jan 8 and 10 respectively.
In Phase I, polling for Karaikal Municipality, Mahe Municipality and Yanam Municipality, and the commune panchayats in Kottucherry, Nedungadu, Neravy, Thirumalairayanpattinam and Thirunallar would be taken up on Jan 4.
In phase II, polling would be taken up on Jan 8 for Puducherry Municipality, Oulgaret Municipality and Ariyankuppam Commune Panchayat. In phase III, the commune panchayats of Bahour, Mannadipet, Nettapakkam and Villianur would go to polls on Jan 10.
The filing of nominations for the first phase would begin on December 14. The last date of filing of nominations would be December 21, scrutiny would be held on December 22 and the deadline for withdrawal of nominations was on December 24.
For the second phase, filing of nominations would begin on December 17 and the last date would be December 24. Scrutiny would be taken up on December 26, and withdrawal of nominations would be effected on December 28. For phase III, filing of nominations would be between December 20 and 27, scrutiny on December 28 and the last date for withdrawal of candidature would be on December 31.
The Commission has already appointed 15 returning officers and 75 assistant returning officers to conduct the elections. It has also appointed the Puducherry and Karaikal Collectors as District Election Officers for the respective regions.