Hyderabad, Feb. 14: SEC issues guidelines on ex officio vote for Mayor and Municipal Chairman elections, making voter registration within the concerned municipality mandatory.
The State Election Commission clarified that only those registered as voters in the respective municipal limits can exercise ex officio voting rights.
The SEC released a circular to all District Collectors and election authorities across Telangana. Accordingly, the commission directed officials to strictly implement the new norms in all municipalities and corporations.
SEC Issues Guidelines on Ex Officio Vote After High Court Order
Earlier, Rajya Sabha members and MLCs could choose any municipality in the State to cast their ex officio vote.
However, the High Court ruled that casting votes without being a local voter violates election norms. Therefore, the SEC issued fresh guidelines in line with the court’s directions.
As per the new instructions, MPs and MLCs must have their names in the voter list of the municipality where they wish to act as ex officio members. Otherwise, they will not qualify to continue as ex officio members in that local body.
The SEC also clarified that any vote cast without proper eligibility will be treated as invalid. Moreover, officials must enforce the provisions strictly under the Telangana Municipalities Act, 2019.
Political circles are closely watching the development. In many municipalities, especially where a hung situation exists, ex officio votes often determine the outcome of Mayor and Chairman elections. Consequently, the new guidelines may alter political equations in several local bodies.
The SEC warned that officials must not show any laxity in implementing the rules. Since the High Court has taken a serious view of the matter, authorities are expected to ensure full compliance during upcoming civic elections.
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