AP: SEC Gives Clarification on Local Body Polls Notification

State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha said that the election commission would issue the notification for local body polls only after the government indicates its readiness for the elections.

He said that the election commission held a meeting with all the recognized political parties in the state. Except one party, all the 20 parties had attended the meeting.

The political parties suggested that the EC issue caste and nativity certificates, and also check liquor supply which could influence the voters. The parties also urged the EC to finalise the election schedule, considering the festival season. There has been an appeal seeking security for the candidates at the nomination centres and CCTV coverage too to ensure peaceful and transparency in the process.

The representatives of political parties also sought deployment of special police forces in sensitive, extremely sensitive and Naxal-affected regions. A few political parties also suggested that nomination papers should be accepted online.

All the appeals and suggestions would be considered by the Commission and a proper decision would be taken, he added.