State Election Commissioner (SEC) Anil Chandra Punetha and Secretary Mallikarjuna have directed the district administrations to step up preparations for the smooth and transparent conduct of local body elections across Andhra Pradesh including Visakhapatnam.
Addressing district collectors, panchayat officers, ZP CEOs, and municipal commissioners via video conference from Amaravati on Wednesday, the SEC emphasised that the entire electoral exercise must be carried out in a free, fair, and impartial manner.
Data and Logistics
The Commissioner instructed the authorities to keep primary data ready for elections spanning gram panchayats, mandal parishads, district parishads, municipalities, nagar panchayats, and municipal corporations. Officials were directed to meticulously cross-check ward-wise details, reservation structures, and total voter counts to prevent administrative hurdles.
Furthermore, authorities were directed to compile staff deployment details and impart multi-phased training on election rules and responsibilities. The availability of ballot papers, ballot boxes, sealing equipment, strong rooms, and reception centres must be thoroughly pre-verified, the Commissioner said.
Polling Timelines
Urban Local Bodies (ULBs): Polling will be scheduled for the 15th day following the notification release, and results will be declared on the 18th day. Officials noted that since voters would cast two separate votes during Mayor and Municipal Chairperson elections, it is essential for polling personnel to be thoroughly trained about the procedures.
MPTC and ZPTC Polls: After notifications, polling will be on the 16th day and results will be declared on the 19th day.
Gram Panchayats: Polling is planned for the 14th day post-notification, followed by vote counting as per commission norms.
District Collector M. Abhishikt Kishore briefed the conference on local groundwork, covering polling station identification, staff recruitment, material readiness, and infrastructure development. GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg among others was present.
Published – August 19, 2026 09:05 pm IST
