Andhra Pradesh Urban Local Body Elections Remain Largely Peaceful: State Election Commission

Polling for the urban local body elections in Andhra Pradesh was largely peaceful on Sunday, the State Election Commission (SEC) reported. State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha stated that maintaining law and order was given the highest priority during the electoral process.

Addressing a press conference in Vijayawada, Punetha noted that the Commission held review meetings with District Collectors, Superintendents of Police, Police Commissioners, Deputy Inspectors General, and election observers prior to the polls. The SEC actively addressed complaints and representations received from representatives of various political parties by coordinating with the police department and district authorities.

The SEC conducted a 45-minute review of the polling situation, complaints, and incidents of violence with the Collectors of 12 districts, including Nandyal, Kadapa, Palnadu, Markapuram, Prakasam, Nellore, Tirupati, Chittoor, Anantapur, Kurnool, Annamayya, and Sri Sathya Sai. While most districts reported peaceful polling with minor complaints or no incidents, the Collectors of Palnadu and Anantapur reported specific incidents that the Commission will review through Presiding Officers' reports and other evidence.

In Vijayawada’s 55th ward, voting hours were extended by two-and-a-half hours from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM. This extension followed a request from the District Collector after polling commenced late due to technical and other reasons, ensuring voters were not deprived of their franchise.

Preliminary data indicated a voter turnout of 48.03 per cent as of 3:00 PM. Final turnout figures are pending the verification of votes recorded at each polling station and the deposition of ballot boxes and election materials at reception centres by polling staff, with the Commission scheduled to release the final percentage.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Rajakumari reported that approximately 40 incidents were connected to Sunday's polling, resulting in 275 First Information Reports (FIRs). Police are examining these incidents in detail, registering FIRs where criminal offences are established, and executing arrests in certain cases.

"Smooth administrative execution and prompt grievance redressal are vital for maintaining operational stability during large-scale public exercises. The State Election Commission's proactive engagement with district authorities and swift handling of polling delays in specific wards demonstrate how effective logistical management minimizes disruptions and upholds institutional integrity." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes