Andhra Pradesh implements direct elections for urban local bodies

The Andhra Pradesh government has issued statutory rules for conducting elections to urban local bodies (ULBs) across the state. Under amended municipal laws, the election process for mayors of municipal corporations and chairpersons of municipalities and nagar panchayats will shift from an indirect system to a direct election by voters listed on the respective electoral rolls.

In this new system, voters will separately elect their ward members and the mayor or chairperson representing the entire ULB. The directly elected officials will serve a five-year term. Additionally, the government has reduced the number of deputy mayors in municipal corporations and vice-chairpersons in municipalities or nagar panchayats from two to one; these positions will continue to be filled through indirect elections.

The released rules outline the complete electoral framework, including notification, nomination procedures, scrutiny, symbol allotment, and the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) or ballot papers. The government has also scheduled a 14-day period from September 8 to September 21 to identify SC, ST, BC, and women voters for reservation purposes.