Municipal Elections: Final Candidate List Released After Withdrawals
Hyderabad: A crucial phase of the municipal elections concluded on Tuesday, with election authorities announcing the final list of candidates after the withdrawal process ended.
For 2,996 wards across the state, a total of 20,313 nominations were filed. After scrutiny, 19,694 nominations were accepted. Later, 6,701 candidates withdrew their nominations. As a result, 12,993 candidates remain in the fray, officials said.
Independent candidates have also been allotted election symbols. With this, about 25 percent of the overall election process has been completed. Authorities have now shifted focus to polling arrangements and voter turnout.
Polling Preparations Gain Momentum
Elections are being held in 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations, covering 2,996 wards. The total electorate stands at 52.43 lakh voters, including 25.62 lakh men, 26.80 lakh women and 640 voters in the other category. Women voters form the majority.
A total of 8,203 polling stations have been set up. Officials said efforts are underway to increase voter turnout. Deployment of staff, allocation of ballot boxes and police security are being finalised.
Out of 2,996 wards, 1,485 wards, or 50 percent, have been reserved for women candidates. Reservation has been provided across categories, including BC, SC, ST and unreserved segments.
Around 90,000 personnel will be deployed for election duties. This includes nearly 25,000 police personnel. The election machinery also includes returning officers, assistant returning officers, zonal officers and special monitoring teams.
For polling, 16,031 ballot boxes will be used. Authorities have arranged 137 strong rooms for storage. After polling, ballot boxes will be shifted to 136 counting centres, officials confirmed.
Now you can get the latest stories from Indtoday on Telegram every day. Click the link to subscribe. Click to follow Indtoday’s Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram. For all the latest Hyderabad News updates and Follow us on GoogleNews
