Elections to local bodies notified

THIRUVANATHAPURAM: October 7, 2015: The Kerala State Election Commission today notified elections to the local self governments in the State.

The polling is to be held in two stages— on November 2 and 5, and filing of nominations began on Wednesday.

Polling in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts will take place on November 2 and the remaining districts on November 5. The timings for casting of votes will be from 7 am to 5 pm. The counting of votes and declaration of results will take place on November 7.

Elections are to be held from 15962 wards in 941 village panchayats, 2076 wards in 152 block panchayats, 3088 wards in 86 municipalities and 414 wards in six municipal corporations. Election will not be held to Mattannur municipality in Kannur district as the current municipal council was elected in 2012.
 

The Commission has directed that the code of conduct for the elections should be strictly implemented. It asked Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson to issue directions for removal of banners, boards, electronic displays and other advertisements installed by government, local self governments and political parties highlighting their achievements. All official advertisements through media on projects and achievements should also be stopped. Collectors were told to set up district level committee to ensure adherence to the code of conduct.

The Commission urged election campaigners to avoid flex boards as they were not biodegradable and emitted toxic fumes on burning. Instead, polyethylene, cloth and paper should be used.