The Chandigarh administration has officially announced that the elections for the city's three key municipal positions will be conducted in the final week of January. In a major procedural shift, the polls for the posts of Mayor, Senior Deputy Mayor, and Deputy Mayor will move away from the secret ballot to an open 'show of hands' voting system. This change is aimed at bringing transparency and ending the controversies that have marred previous elections.
A New Era of Transparent Voting
To ensure the new open-hand process is conducted fairly, the administration is drafting a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). The goal is to guarantee that the election is "smooth, peaceful, and completely fair." The current term of the Mayor is set to expire on January 29, and the exact election date is expected to be finalized imminently, pending confirmation of security and police arrangements.
High-Tech Scrutiny to Prevent Disputes
Nishant Kumar Yadav, the Deputy Commissioner and the prescribed authority for the election, will lead the charge in securing the process. He is scheduled to inspect the Municipal Corporation assembly hall in Sector 17 this Friday. The inspection focuses on eliminating procedural gaps from past polls.
The key technological and logistical measures being implemented include:
- Strategic installation of CCTV cameras at high-angle positions to record every hand vote.
- Redesigning the seating arrangement to ensure a clear line of sight for all observers.
- Granting access to media personnel for wider coverage.
- Deploying a specialized police force to maintain impartiality and order.
A senior official emphasized that the primary motive is to "use maximum technology to hold the election in an impartial manner." Extensive coordination is underway for security, administration, and logistics to leave no room for future disputes.
The Final Term of the Current Cycle
This upcoming election is particularly significant as it marks the fifth and final term of the current 2022–2026 municipal cycle. As per the rotation policy in effect, the Mayor's seat for this term is reserved for a candidate from the general category.
Once Deputy Commissioner Yadav formally declares the election date, the Municipal Corporation Secretary will issue the official notification. This will trigger the nomination process for candidates aspiring to the three leadership positions, setting the stage for a historic and closely watched open ballot election in the Union Territory.
