The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) is set to go ahead with elections to 23 pending urban local bodies after a new notification.

State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha will hold a press conference to give out details on the election schedule, including details of the four municipal corporations and 19 municipalities and nagar panchayats.

Elections to Four Municipal Corporations

The election will be held to:

• Srikakulam Municipal Corporation
• Kakinada Municipal Corporation
• Rajamahendravaram Municipal Corporation
• Mangalagiri-Tadepalli Municipal Corporation

The urban local bodies have been waiting for elections to be held due to legal issues.

19 Municipalities and Nagar Panchayats

In addition to the four municipal corporations, elections will also be held to the following municipalities and nagar panchayats; Bhimavaram, Tadepalligudem, Palakollu, Tanuku, Gudivada, Narasaraopet, Ponnur, Bapatla, Kandukur, Kavali, Srikalahasti and others.

This is expected to help finalise the process of setting up elected local governance.

Preparation Completed

The Andhra Pradesh government has reportedly completed the reservation process for mayors and chairpersons of these urban local bodies, as well as for the municipal divisions and wards.

There are 260 divisions across the four municipal corporations. Rajamahendravaram has 72 divisions, Kakinada has 66, Mangalagiri-Tadepalli has 62 and Srikakulam has 60.

This will allow the State Election Commission to go ahead with the rest of the election formalities.

Why Was Election Delayed?

The election to these 23 urban local bodies was postponed due to legal matters. However, with these now resolved, the SEC can now go ahead with the process of holding the remaining municipal elections.

Earlier, 100 urban local bodies were included in the election. These 23 were excluded from the original notification.