Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Dec 20: Voting is underway on Saturday for 24 municipal councils and nagar panchayats across Maharashtra, with the State Election Commission (SEC) taking extensive measures to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election.
State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare issued instructions to district administrations and police officials after reviewing preparations through multiple video conferences over the past two days with DMs, Police Commissioners, SPs and returning officers. The meetings were aimed at assessing poll readiness and enforcing the model code of conduct strictly.
Over 1.07 crore voters are expected to cast their ballots at 13,355 polling stations across the state. The elections will decide the fate of 6,859 local body members and 288 presidents. Election campaigning officially ended on Monday night, and no election advertisements are allowed on voting day.
To ensure smooth polling, Waghmare directed authorities to deploy adequate flying squads and for election offices to remain fully prepared to provide easy voting facilities to all citizens. He stressed that flying squads must monitor the strict implementation of the model code of conduct throughout the state.
SEC Secretary Suresh Kakani and other senior officials were present in the meeting to finalise operational strategies, ensuring adherence to election norms and transparent electoral processes across all 24 local bodies.
This election marks a key grassroots democratic exercise, testing administrative coordination and voter engagement in Maharashtra.