Maharashtra State Election Commission Announces Local Body Election Dates

Election Dates Announced for Local Bodies

The Maharashtra State Election Commission has officially revealed the long-awaited schedule for local body elections in the state. During a press conference in Mumbai, State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare announced that voting for 246 municipal councils and 42 town panchayats will take place on December 2.

This announcement comes amid rising political tensions, with opposition parties calling for the postponement of the elections. They have expressed concerns regarding alleged irregularities in the revised voter list released on July 1, claiming it contains duplicate and fraudulent entries that require thorough investigation.

Measures to Prevent Duplicate Voting

To combat duplicate voting, a verification system has been implemented. When voters arrive at polling stations, a double star symbol will appear next to certain entries, alerting election officials to verify the voter's identity. Those identified will need to sign a declaration confirming they are not voting elsewhere.

Election Expenses and New Voting App

Candidates contesting for the position of council president will have a spending limit of 1.5 million rupees, while those running for member positions will be capped at 1.2 million rupees. Additionally, the Election Commission plans to launch a mobile app that will provide comprehensive information about both candidates and voters.