Hans News Service
Kurnool/Nandyal
DistrictCollectors Dr A Siri of Kurnool and G Rajakumari of Nandyal have directed election personnel to ensure the smooth, free, and fair conduct of the second ordinary Gram Panchayat elections–2026, scheduled across three phases.
Addressing training programs for Returning Officers and MPDOs, the Collectors stressed strict compliance with State Election Commission guidelines from nominations to result declarations.
Nandyal Collector Raja Kumari stated that 408 Gram Panchayats were organized into 175 clusters with 175 Stage-I Returning Officers, spanning elections across nine, eleven, and eight mandals in three respective phases. She urged thorough checks of nomination papers, affidavits, and caste certificates. In Kurnool, Collector Dr A Siri instructed officials to set up dedicated nomination counters, help desks, CCTV monitoring, and basic amenities. She mandated that all voters in queue at closing time be allowed to vote, with special priority given to senior citizens, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
Presiding Officers were directed to upload turnout percentages everytwo hours. Furthermore,foolproof arrangements were ordered for vote counting starting at 2 PM, ensuring accuracy and strict adherence to recounting regulations.
Warning personnel against yielding to political pressure, the Collectors called for absolute integrity, impartiality, and accountability to guarantee transparent elections across both districts.
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Collector Dr A Siri orders three to four dedicated nomination counters, help desks, CCTV cameras, and essential amenities at nomination centres
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Instruct officials to verify ballot boxes and election materials in advance
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Warn officials against external or political pressures, emphasizing that Returning Officers carry direct accountability for conducting transparent elections