*YSRCP urges SEC to convene all-party meeting on Local Body Elections*

Tadepalli, Oct 7: The YSR Congress Party has urged the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission to convene an all-party meeting before issuing the notification for the forthcoming Local Body Elections. It said the meeting should clarify election procedures and address concerns affecting candidates, voters and political parties across the State.

In its letter to the State Election Commissioner, YSRCP MLC Lella Appi Reddy  raised delays in issuing caste and community certificates and No-Dues/NOC certificates, reportedly citing a statewide server failure. He sought an impartial inquiry into the role of senior GSWS officials and immediate directions to district authorities to ensure timely issuance.

He also called for a statewide review and correction of ward delimitation before it is finalised. He requested deployment of Central Armed Police Forces, citing apprehensions of interference, intimidation and misuse of official machinery. For Municipal Elections, it sought preparation of ward-wise electoral rolls only after completion of the Special Intensive Revision and publication of final rolls, subject to applicable judicial directions.

The proposed meeting should also clarify reservations and rotation of seats and offices, the election schedule and phasing, nomination and scrutiny, election of Mayors and Chairpersons, voting arrangements, Model Code enforcement, official neutrality, polling and counting security, and time-bound grievance redressal.

He said the Commission should circulate an agenda in advance, involve relevant senior officials and issue written clarifications and uniform directions after the meeting to promote free, fair and transparent elections.