AP Municipal Elections: Red-Faced State Election Commission Extends Nominations in 4 Urban Bodies After SC's Reprimand

Facing Supreme Court scrutiny over its handling of widespread nomination obstruction complaints, the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) has reopened nominations in just four urban local bodies, despite the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) placing allegations of violence and intimidation across 19 urban local bodies before the apex court. The decision follows the court's pointed reminder that the commission has a constitutional duty to protect candidates' right to contest elections.

State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha announced on October 22 that fresh nominations would be accepted on October 23 and 24, between 11 am and 3 pm. Polling across all 100 urban local bodies has been rescheduled to November 1, with counting on November 3.

Complaints Across 19 Bodies, Relief Limited to Four

The SEC's notification acknowledged that some candidates had been intimidated, attacked or prevented from filing nominations, including instances where nomination papers were torn. However, it restricted the fresh nomination process to Kadapa Municipal Corporation, Rajampet Municipality, Mydukur Municipality and Tirupati Municipal Corporation.

The decision covers 11 wards each in Kadapa and Rajampet, all 32 wards in Mydukur and 18 wards in Tirupati.

The limited extension contrasts with the scale of allegations presented by the YSRCP before the Supreme Court. The party cited 87 alleged incidents of violence and obstruction across 19 urban local bodies, seeking another opportunity for candidates prevented from filing their papers.

The YSRCP accused supporters of the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) of using physical attacks, threats and coercion to keep opposition candidates out of the electoral contest. Its counsel told the court that nearly 63% of the party's candidates had been prevented from filing nominations, raising concerns about uncontested victories.

YSRCP leaders have accused the TDP-led government of making a mockery of the nomination process and criticised the SEC for failing to prevent the alleged excesses. They contend that restricting relief to four urban bodies leaves complaints from several other municipalities unaddressed.

The state government rejected the allegations and accused the opposition of instigating violence.

Supreme Court Questions Electoral Safeguards

On October 21, a bench comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana found a prima facie case warranting intervention and directed the SEC to examine complaints, representations and electronic evidence before deciding whether nominations should be reopened.

The court stressed that free and fair elections form part of the Constitution's basic structure and that filing nominations without obstruction is an essential democratic right.

“Instilling confidence in the election process is vital for the maintenance of constitutional democracy,” the bench observed.

Invoking Article 243ZA, the judges emphasised the SEC's responsibility to ensure unhindered participation in municipal elections. They also made clear that judicial restraint cannot prevent courts from intervening when illegal practices or muscle power threaten electoral fairness.

The court directed the Director General of Police to provide adequate protection and CCTV surveillance at nomination centres and sought compliance reports from the SEC and state authorities.

Revised Schedule, Further Hearing on October 27

Under the revised timetable, scrutiny of fresh nominations will begin on October 25 at 8 am, with withdrawals permitted until 3 pm that day. The final candidates' lists for all 100 urban local bodies will be published after 3 pm.

Polling will take place on November 1, followed by repolling, if necessary, on November 2 and counting on November 3.

The SEC's decision to reopen nominations in four urban bodies, against complaints involving 19, remains a key issue as the matter returns to the Supreme Court on October 27