NOB- Telangana news: The state government has decided to conduct the municipal elections using ballot papers. Accordingly, it has instructed the district collectors and municipal commissioners to prepare ballot boxes in the 117 municipalities and 6 corporations where elections will be held. Following the government’s orders, the election officials and municipal officers in the respective districts have sent advance orders to paper companies for ballot papers. They have been instructed to keep the paper ready so that it can be printed and supplied immediately whenever the elections are held. In 2014, the then government conducted the municipal elections using EVMs. Later, in 2020, due to Corona, the municipal elections were held with ballot papers. This time, even though there is the option of conducting the elections with EVMs, the government has opted for ballot papers. While there are 124 municipalities and 9 greater corporations across the state, the term of the Greater Hyderabad (GHMC) governing body ends in February of 2027 year. The terms of the governing bodies of Warangal and Khammam corporations, along with Siddipet, Jadcherla, Kothur, Achampet, and Nakirekal municipalities, are valid until May of 2027 year. Besides these, Mandamarri and Manuguru municipalities are located in scheduled areas. Excluding these ten places, the terms of the governing bodies of the remaining 117 municipalities and 6 corporations expired in January of 2026 year. Currently, special officers are administering these areas. The Election Commission has already finalized 2,630 wards in the 117 municipalities and 366 wards in the six corporations. A draft voter list has been released, showing a total of 52.71 lakh voters across all these areas, and objections are being received. Based on the finalized wards, officials have determined that approximately 7,500 ballot boxes are needed across the state. Two boxes are required per ward in the municipalities, totalling 5,260 boxes, with another 940 being prepared as spares. In the corporations, 732 boxes are needed, with 568 additional boxes being prepared. District Collectors and Municipal Department officials are ready to prepare the ballot papers along with these boxes. The Municipal Department officials are already handling the entire pre-election process. Orders have been placed with various paper companies and printing presses for stationery and paper printing. Orders have been placed for the procurement of materials such as indelible ink and polling kits. As per the directions of the State Election Commission, all-party leader’s meetings will be held on 05.01.2026 in the 117 municipalities and 6 corporations where elections are to be conducted. Invitations have already been sent to the leaders of BJP, Congress, BRS, and other political parties within the limits of these municipalities. All party meetings will be held at the district collectorates on 06.01.2026. Subsequently, on January 10th 2026, the final voter lists will be announced for each municipality and corporation, ward-wise and polling station-wise. Similarly, a list of employees is being prepared for the appointment of presiding officers, polling officers, and sector officers for the elections.
