​SEC announces urban local body byelections, polling on May 5

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh State Election Commission announced by-elections to vacant posts in urban local bodies across the state, with polling scheduled for May 5.The notification was issued on April 7 by State Election Commissioner Raj Pratap Singh, following consultation with the urban development department.As per the notification, by-elections will be conducted for a vacant councillor post in Prayagraj Municipal Corporation, chairperson posts in Nagar Panchayat Katra of Shahjahanpur district and Nagar Panchayat Fazilnagar of Kushinagar district, along with member posts in multiple Nagar Palika Parishads and Nagar Panchayats across districts including Etawah, Badaun, Barabanki, Baghpat, Gonda, Mirzapur and Gautam Budh Nagar.The election process will begin with the filing of nomination papers from April 10-16, followed by scrutiny on April 18. Candidates will be allowed to withdraw their nominations on April 20, while election symbols will be allotted on April 21. Polling will be held on May 5 from 7 am to 5 pm, and counting of votes is scheduled for May 7.District magistrates and district election officers (urban local bodies) have been directed to issue public notices on April 8 and ensure wide publicity of the election programme through newspapers and notice boards. The Commission clarified that all election-related offices will remain open on public holidays during the schedule. ​