The countdown has begun for Andhra Pradesh’s municipal elections scheduled for November 1. Although notifications were issued for 100 urban local bodies, eight municipalities and Nagar Panchayats became completely unanimous after the nomination and withdrawal process. Polling will therefore take place in the remaining 92 urban local bodies, comprising 13 municipal corporations, 73 municipalities and six Nagar Panchayats.
A total of 6,669 candidates are contesting for 2,382 seats. Polling staff began collecting ballot boxes, EVMs and other election material from distribution centres on Saturday before proceeding to their assigned polling stations.
In the 13 corporations, 153 candidates are contesting for 13 mayoral posts. Of the 922 divisions, 118 were elected unanimously, leaving 804 divisions for polling. These elections cover around 59.97 lakh voters.
Among municipalities and Nagar Panchayats, 17 chairperson posts were decided unanimously. Authorities have arranged 11,705 polling stations across the state. Security has also been strengthened to ensure peaceful voting. Polling will be held from 7 AM to 5 PM on November 1, with repolling, if required, on November 2 and counting on November 3.