Collector urges tight oversight of polling supplies ahead of municipal elections

District Collector P. Raja Babu warned that handling of polling supplies must be tightly monitored as the municipal corporation elections approach. On Saturday the collector, accompanied by Joint Collector Kalpana Kumari, toured the storage area set up at RISE Engineering College on the outskirts of Ongole. The college grounds now host a distribution hub, reception point, secure vaults and a dedicated counting hall for the upcoming vote. During the walk‑through the officials examined the condition of 101 pieces of statutory and non‑statutory election equipment earmarked for the 224 polling stations within the corporation limits. The collector directed staff to ready all gear in line with Election Commission guidelines and to ensure that barricades and related safety measures conform to prescribed rules. He also stressed the need for flawless coordination during the counting phase to avoid any lapses. The joint inspection is part of a broader state effort to reinforce the integrity of local body elections across Andhra Pradesh. The team confirmed that the strong rooms are locked and monitored, and that the logistics plan covers both the distribution of ballot boxes and their secure return after voting. The emphasis on vigilance reflects concerns about safeguarding the democratic process in the region.

Context

The municipal corporation elections are the last phase of Andhra Pradesh's local body voting cycle, which involves thousands of voters across dozens of towns. Election Commission rules require secure storage of ballot boxes and equipment to prevent tampering. Similar inspections have been carried out in other districts to maintain uniform standards.