Amid Panchayat Polls, Odisha gears up for ULB elections; EVM-VVPAT training begins

Bhubaneswar: Amidst the ongoing three-tier Panchayat Polls, the State Election Commission (SEC), Odisha has geared up for the ensuing Urban Local Body (ULB) elections.

Though the Commission has not announced the schedule, the civic body polls are expected to be held after completion of Panchayat elections.

As part of preparations, hands-on training on management of EVM and VVPAT for Master Trainers in all districts began today under the supervision of the SEC. Master Trainers of 15 districts are being trained by experts today while the training for rest 15 districts will be held tomorrow.

Also Read: Odisha ULB polls: Reservation list for Councillors released

For the first time, elections for Corporator/Councilor and Mayor/Chairman posts in all 107 ULBs (48 Municipalities, 59 NACs) and three Corporations will be held simultaneously. Mayor will be directedly elected by the public. Hence, each polling booth will have two EVMs. Also,  None of the above (NOTA) option will be used for the first time in the elections.

Voters will exercise their franchise at total 4,584 polling booths in 1,931 Wards in the upcoming civic body polls, said SEC sources.

Meanwhile, the second phase of the ongoing Panchayat Polls in the state concluded today with 43 % voter turnout recorded till 12 noon.