The Krishna-Guntur Graduates’ Constituency Legislative Council elections will be conducted in a transparent, smooth and peaceful manner with all necessary arrangements firmly in place, assured District Collector and Returning Officer S. Nagalakshmi.
Speaking at a media briefing at the Collectorate’s DRC Hall on Tuesday, alongside District Revenue Officer N. S. K. Khajavali, she informed that voting will take place on February 27, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. as per the Election Commission’s schedule.
Voters must carry one of the 10 approved identification documents, including Aadhaar, driving licence, government-issued ID cards, or any other valid identity proof. Electronic devices such as mobile phones are not allowed inside polling stations. Voters can verify their polling booth details at designated counters in Mandal Tahsildar offices and the District Collectorate or by calling the control room at 0863-2241029.
The preferential voting system will be followed in this election, in which 25 candidates are contesting. A poster displaying candidate names, serial numbers, party affiliations, and photographs will be available at the polling stations. Voters must mark their preferences using the violet-coloured sketch pen provided by polling officials. However, postal ballot voters can use their own pens.
The campaigning period will end by 4 p.m. on February 25. Candidates must adhere to the election code of conduct, and violations — including voter intimidation or inducements —will result in strict action. Campaigning within 100–200 metres of a polling station and transporting voters in vehicles is strictly prohibited.
There are 3,47,116 registered voters across 483 polling stations, all equipped with essential infrastructure. Micro-observers, webcasting, and videography will ensure transparency, with additional security deployed at 140 critical polling stations.
Polling officers have undergone two rounds of training, and ballot papers have been verified. Election materials will be distributed to polling officials from Wednesday morning. Post-election, ballot boxes will be stored in strong rooms at AC College in presence of the candidates.
The Election Commission has mandated a special casual leave for voting employees in government, private and educational institutions. Additionally, February 27 will be a dry day, with liquor stores closed until polling ends.
Collector S. Nagalakshmi urged political parties, candidates, and voters to cooperate for a free and fair election.
Published – February 26, 2025 08:36 am IST