Campaigning for the February 23 elections in 48 municipal bodies across Jharkhand concluded at 5 p.m. on Saturday. The voting will take place in a single phase on Monday, February 23, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The counting of votes is scheduled to commence at 8 a.m. on February 27.
The elections cover nine municipal corporations, 20 municipal councils, and 19 Nagar Panchayats throughout the state. Besides the mayor and chairperson positions, polling will occur for ward councillors in 1,087 wards.
A total of 6,288 candidates are in the running after the nomination and scrutiny processes. This includes 560 candidates contending for mayor and chairperson roles, and 5,728 candidates vying for ward councillor positions.
Following the end of campaigning, public gatherings, rallies, and processions are no longer allowed. However, candidates can continue engaging with voters through door-to-door interactions.
The State Election Commission has made necessary arrangements for the smooth conduct of the polls. Polling teams have started moving to their designated locations in various districts, with some departing on Saturday and others on Sunday.
Voting will be done using ballot papers, with no provision for NOTA. Voters must choose one of the contesting candidates to cast their vote. A dry day will be observed in the polling areas, with a complete ban on the sale of alcohol.
These municipal elections hold significance as they mark the first time reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, and backward classes have been implemented in urban local bodies. This move aims to enhance representation and promote broader participation in urban governance.
Security measures have been beefed up across all municipal bodies in compliance with the Commission’s directives. Police and security forces conducted flag marches in various cities, including Ranchi, to build confidence ahead of the voting.
