Amaravati, Oct 22: The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) has temporarily suspended further proceedings in the ongoing municipal elections across 100 urban local bodies, following directions from the Supreme Court.
The decision covers 13 municipal corporations and 87 municipalities and nagar panchayats in the state. The SEC said it would issue further orders on October 22 after reviewing reports from district collectors, district election officers, police commissioners and superintendents of police.
Supreme Court Directs SEC to Review Nomination Complaints
The development follows complaints by the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), which alleged that its candidates were prevented from filing nominations in several areas due to intimidation, obstruction and law-and-order problems.
The municipal election nomination process was conducted from October 16 to October 18, 2026. Scrutiny of nominations took place on October 19.
YSRCP approached the Supreme Court, seeking relief for candidates who allegedly could not file their nominations because of the reported obstructions.
After hearing the matter, the Supreme Court directed the State Election Commission to defer publication of the final list of candidates until October 25. It also instructed the SEC to examine complaints, supporting evidence and electronic records before deciding on further action.
SEC to Decide on Extending Nomination Deadline
The Supreme Court directed the State Election Commission to decide by October 22 whether the nomination deadline should be extended in urban local bodies where candidates were found to have been prevented from filing their papers due to law-and-order issues.
The court further stated that if the SEC decides to extend the deadline, the election notification must be amended to provide candidates with at least 48 additional hours from the time the decision is announced.
The directions aim to ensure that eligible candidates receive a fair opportunity to participate in the municipal elections.
Reports from District Officials Under Review
Following the Supreme Court’s directions, the SEC has ordered a temporary halt to further election proceedings across the 100 urban local bodies covered by the notifications.
The commission will examine reports from district collectors, district election officers and senior police officials before issuing its next set of instructions.
The SEC’s decision on extending the nomination deadline is expected to determine how the election process proceeds in areas where complaints of obstruction have been raised.
What Happens Next in AP Municipal Elections?
The immediate focus is on the State Election Commission’s next order, expected on October 22. The commission must consider whether the complaints are supported by evidence and whether candidates were genuinely prevented from submitting their nominations.
If an extension is granted in specific urban local bodies, the nomination process may need to be reopened in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directions.
The final list of candidates is scheduled to be published only after October 25, as directed by the court. The next steps in the Andhra Pradesh municipal elections will depend on the SEC’s findings and subsequent orders.
