TN local body polls to be held in 2 phases

CHENNAI: The much-anticipated local body elections for the State will be held in two phases on October 17 and 19, the Tamil Nadu State Election Commission said on Wednesday. With this announcement, the model code of conduct for the elections has come into force.The State Election Commission assured that it would ensure peaceful polling unlike last time when the State witnessed widespread violence. “Candidates can start filing their nomination papers from tomorrow. The final date for filing nomination papers will be 29th of this month,” said S Ayyar, Tamil Nadu State Election Commissioner. Review of application forms is scheduled for September 30 and counting is slated for October 21. The first Council of the ward members and oath-taking is expected to happen on October 25, while the first meeting of those who are indirectly elected, like the Deputy Mayor, will be held on October 29, said a release from the commission.Nine out of the 10 city corporations (except for Tiruchy), 60 municipalities, 259 town panchayats and 191 village panchayats will go to polls on October 17. The remaining 65 municipalities, 270 town panchayats and 194 village panchayats will go to polls in the second phase on October 19. A total of 86,104 voting booths will be set up for the exercise in which more than 4.63 crore people can exercise their franchise.The notification for local body elections in Tiruchy is likely to be issued only after the Madras High Court gives its judgment in a Tiruchy corporation case.For the first time in the State, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be used for local body elections in urban areas, said the State Election Commissioner. “For the first time in the whole of the country, the voter’s list is also being prepared and hosted online for the convenience of the citizens,” Ayyar said. “We further stress that booth slips can be and will be distributed only by government officials and can be received only in person by signing against his/her name. If one fails to receive the booth slip when delivered, he can get it at the polling booth on the day of the polls where an official will be stationed to distribute these slips,” he added.