Elongated revision of electoral rolls, petitions by mayoral candidates against rescinding of mayoral election and the current State Election Commissioner’s term drawing to end on July 15 has put the mayoral election out of sight till September.
“Initially we wanted the revision of rolls to finish but due to some problem final rolls could not be published so we have decided to wait for some more time,” said SD Sharma, State Election Commissioner.
Sharma, whose tenure is due to expire on July 15, has left the decision of holding election on his successor. “My successor will take a call on mayoral election,” added Sharma while hinting that he would personally like to complete the process by October.
The State Election Commission (SEC) while pushing the mayoral election till the completion of roll revision was preparing for the polls also. Due to similarity between the nature of mayoral election and assembly polls the number of booth in both cases remain same besides the same electoral roll.
“We have finalised list of booths, made necessary arrangements for Electronic Voting Machines and other steps for ensuring a smooth election. Since the mayoral election would be similar to an assembly poll, preparation is easy compared to ward elections,” said Sharma.
Interestingly, the rescinding of mayoral polls had led to a slew of petition against the decision which is also thought to be the reason for delay in mayoral election. However Sharma refuted the claim saying “The petitions are being rejected one by one,” said Sharma adding “Even Khalkho’s case will not affect future election.”