Hyderabad: The State Election Commission issued an official notification scheduling mayor elections and chairperson polls across municipalities and corporations on February 16.
According to the notification, special meetings will begin at 12.30 pm in the respective municipalities and corporations. During the same session, newly elected ward members and corporators will take oath. Subsequently, authorities will conduct elections for mayors, deputy mayors, chairpersons and vice-chairpersons.
The announcement came amid heightened political activity following the declaration of municipal results across the state. Although Congress secured a majority of seats overall, nearly 36 municipalities returned hung verdicts.
Mayor elections set for tight contests in hung municipalities
The mayor elections in these hung civic bodies are expected to turn competitive. In the indirect election process, members will choose winners through a show-of-hands method. Therefore, ex-officio votes are likely to play a decisive role.
Major political parties have already intensified their strategies to secure support for their candidates. Consequently, negotiations and counter-moves have gathered pace ahead of the mayor elections.
The outcome of these indirect contests will determine control over key urban local bodies across the state.