10 July,2025 10:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
File pic.
Preparations for the upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra have commenced, with plans to utilise voter lists updated until July 1 this year. The State Election Commissioner, Dinesh Waghmare, announcement on Thursday, reported news agency PTI.
The State Election Commissioner, Waghmare, delivered this update during a video conference held with district collectors, focusing on the preliminary arrangements for the Zilla Parishad, Panchayat Samiti, Municipal Council, and Nagar Panchayat elections, according to a State Election Commission (SEC) release.
"Preparations must be carried out in line with the latest electoral roll available up to July 1," Waghmare emphasised.
Moreover, he further clarified that "the voters' list prepared by the Election Commission of India will be used for these elections, as no separate list is prepared for local body polls. We have already initiated preliminary discussions with ECI in this regard."
According to PTI, Waghmare further explained that the local body polls operate under a multi-member ward system, unlike Assembly elections. Consequently, this will lead to an increase in the number of polling stations.
Meanwhil, the State Election Commission has also issued specific criteria through a separate order for determining polling centres.
The State Election Commissioner, Waghmare, also urged officials to ensure adequate facilities are available at all centres, particularly for general voters and persons with disabilities (PwDs), if in any situation they might need it.
Furthermore, he highlighted the necessity of assessing the availability and condition of all the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
He assured that all efforts are being made to ensure sufficient EVMs are available at polling booths to facilitate a smooth electoral process.
Meanwhile, State Election Commission Secretary Suresh Kakani, who was also present at the meeting, stressed the immediate need for first-level checking of EVMs, ensuring all machines are election-ready, reported PTI.
"All necessary security measures related to the handling and storage of EVMs should be implemented well in time," Kakani stated.
"Officials must begin preparations for identifying polling station locations, assessing the condition of buildings, and ensuring availability of all essential facilities."
He additionally advised that manpower availability must be reviewed periodically, with any shortfalls addressed promptly through coordination with concerned divisional commissioners before the polling dates.
(With inputs from PTI)
