Punjab gears up for Municipal elections

CHANDIGARH: Punjab is gearing up for the Municipal elections in 95 municipal councils / nagar councils, including eight nagar panchayats, scheduled to be held on June 30.

For the first time, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) would be used in these polls, a spokesman of the State Election Commission said here on Saturday.

A total number of 2,950 polling booths have been set-up and 28 observers have been deputed for free, fair and smooth conduct of these polls, the spokesman said, adding that around 12,000 electoral staff have been assigned duties at various centres.

He said more than one crore electorate are eligible to exercise their franchise to elect their Councillors from 1,527 wards in 87 Municipal Councils / Nagar Councils and 8 Nagar Panchayats.

Out of this, 251 wards have been reserved for Scheduled Castes candidates, 132 for Scheduled Castes women, 352 for women and 97 wards for Backward Classes candidates. General category candidates were contesting in 699 wards, he said.

Counting of votes would be held on the same day after the voting gets over.

The State Election Commission had already directed all the District Electoral Officers to personally supervise and monitor the poll process and keep strict vigil to maintain harmony and peace during elections.