Amaravati, Oct 8 : The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has urged the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) to convene an all-party meeting before issuing the notification for the upcoming local body elections in the state.
The YSRCP said the meeting is necessary to provide clarity to political parties, candidates and voters on the Andhra Pradesh local body election process and to ensure free, fair and transparent elections.
The party said political parties should receive uniform information about election preparations, procedures, ward delimitation, voter lists and other key issues related to the AP local body elections.
YSRCP Raises Concerns Over Certificates and Server Issues
The YSRCP has also asked the State Election Commission to look into difficulties faced by candidates in obtaining mandatory community and caste certificates as well as No-Dues/NOC certificates.
The party claimed that server-related problems across the state are causing difficulties in issuing these certificates. It sought an impartial inquiry into the role of senior officials of the Grama Sachivalayam and Ward Secretariat (GSWS) system and urged the SEC to issue immediate directions to district authorities.
Review of Ward Delimitation Sought
The YSRCP has called for a statewide review of the ward delimitation process for local body elections before final decisions are taken.
The party said necessary corrections should be made wherever required and that all political parties should be given clarity on the delimitation process before the election notification is issued.
The YSRCP also raised concerns about possible interference, intimidation and misuse of the official machinery during the elections. In this context, it asked the SEC to consider the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to ensure security and voter confidence.
Voter Lists for Municipal Elections
On the Andhra Pradesh municipal elections, the YSRCP said ward-wise voter lists should be prepared only after completing a special intensive revision process and publishing the final electoral rolls.
The party also urged the State Election Commission to follow applicable court directions while preparing and finalising the voter lists.
Clarity Sought on Reservations and Election Schedule
The YSRCP has sought clear guidelines from the SEC on several important aspects of the AP local body election process, including:
- Reservation of seats and the rotation system
- Election schedule and phased polling
- Filing and scrutiny of nominations
- Election of mayors and chairpersons
- Polling arrangements and security
- Enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct
- Neutrality of government officials
- Security during polling and counting
- Time-bound disposal of election complaints
The party said clarity on these issues would help candidates and political parties prepare for the elections without confusion.
YSRCP Calls for Transparent and Fair Elections
The YSRCP said consultations with all political parties are essential to ensure equal opportunities for every eligible candidate and enable every eligible voter to exercise their franchise freely.
The party also said such consultations would help strengthen public confidence in the neutrality and functioning of the State Election Commission.
All-Party Meeting Before Election Notification
The YSRCP has therefore requested the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission to hold an all-party meeting before issuing the local body election notification, taking into account all statutory and judicial timelines.
The party has also requested that senior officials concerned be invited to the meeting and that the agenda be circulated to all political parties in advance.
It further sought written clarifications and uniform guidelines on the issues discussed at the meeting so that the Andhra Pradesh local body elections can be conducted in a transparent, impartial and orderly manner.
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