Andhra Pradesh High Court petition seeks online nomination system

A petition has been filed in the Andhra Pradesh High Court requesting the implementation of an online nomination system for local body elections. The petitioner, Guru Teja, alleges that the State Election Commission (SEC) has failed to provide an online facility for filing nominations in municipal and corporation elections, despite Supreme Court directions to make candidate papers and affidavits available online.

The petitioner claims the absence of an online system has contributed to electoral instability, citing 187 clashes during the current election process. The petition urges the court to mandate an online system for upcoming gram panchayat elections to increase transparency and reduce confrontations.

Separately, SEC Punetha noted that nominations for local body elections were facilitated at District Collectorates. Following a Supreme Court order on October 21, the election process for 100 urban local bodies was halted, and the nomination period was extended in specific areas where complaints were supported by evidence. The Commission is reviewing the rural poll schedule in consultation with police and in light of judicial directions.