AP Local Polls: SEC Stresses Free and Fair Elections, Seeks DGP Action

The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) has directed authorities to take necessary measures to ensure that the upcoming rural and urban local body elections are conducted in a free, fair and peaceful environment.

The direction followed a representation submitted by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), which sought the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) during the local body elections, citing alleged irregularities in previous elections.

YSRCP general secretary and MLC Lella Appireddy submitted the representation to State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Puneetha on September 4. According to the SEC, the petition included material and evidence relating to alleged irregularities reported during earlier local body elections in the state.

In response, the State Election Commissioner examined the issues raised by Appireddy and forwarded the representation to Director General of Police (DGP) for necessary action. The SEC asked the DGP to examine the request for deployment of Central forces and take appropriate steps to ensure that the forthcoming elections are held without disruption.

The Commission stressed the need to maintain law and order and provide a level playing field for all participants during the electoral process. The DGP has been asked to assess the concerns raised in the YSRCP representation and take measures considered necessary to safeguard the conduct of the polls.

The SEC also shared a copy of its communication to the DGP, along with Appireddy’s representation, with the YSRCP MLC.

The development comes as preparations gather pace for the next round of local body elections in Andhra Pradesh. By forwarding the request to the police chief for examination and appropriate action, the SEC has placed the issue of security arrangements and a peaceful electoral atmosphere before the state police authorities.