Punjab: The State Election Commission of Punjab is preparing to announce elections for five municipal corporations, 44 municipal councils, and by-elections for 49 wards within these bodies on Sunday. The elections are scheduled for later this month, with the exact date to be revealed by State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhuri shortly.
Once the elections are announced, the model code of conduct will take effect. This election is particularly significant as the Shiromani Akali Dal has declared its intention to participate after previously opting out of last month’s panchayat elections. It is also crucial for the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, which will contest under its new state president, Aman Arora.
Unlike the recent panchayat elections, these polls will be conducted using party symbols, allowing voters to express their preferences for urban political leadership.
The State Election Commission has identified 1,609 polling locations and 3,717 polling booths, with 344 designated as hypersensitive and 665 as sensitive. To ensure a smooth election process, 20,486 personnel from the Punjab Police and Home Guard will be deployed, along with 500 patrolling teams and 283 striking reserves.
Additionally, the commission will establish 74 second line of defense checkpoints, 87 inter-state checkpoints, and 257 inter-district/intra-district checkpoints across the state to monitor the movement of illicit liquor, cash, drugs, and other anti-social elements.