Ranchi, Feb 21 (NationPress) The campaigning phase for the elections scheduled on February 23 in 48 municipal bodies across Jharkhand concluded at 5 p.m. on Saturday. The voting process will take place in a single phase on Monday, February 23, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The counting of votes is set to commence at 8 a.m. on February 27.

The elections encompass nine municipal corporations, 20 municipal councils, and 19 Nagar Panchayats throughout the state.

In addition to electing mayors and chairpersons, voters will select ward councillors across 1,087 wards. Notably, elections in 38 wards from 16 urban bodies have already been decided unopposed due to the presence of only one candidate, who has been declared elected by the respective returning officers.

After the nomination and scrutiny process, a total of 6,288 candidates are in the race, including 560 vying for mayor and chairperson positions, and 5,728 contesting for ward councillor roles.

Previously, 38 candidates withdrew their nominations, and 424 nomination papers were rejected during the scrutiny process.

With the campaigning period now over, public meetings, rallies, and processions are no longer allowed. However, candidates are permitted to engage in door-to-door interactions with voters.

The State Election Commission has made comprehensive arrangements for the elections. Polling parties began departing for their designated locations in various districts on Saturday, while some will leave on Sunday.

Voting will be conducted using ballot papers, and there is no option for NOTA. Voters must cast their vote for one of the participating candidates.

A dry day will be observed in polling areas, prohibiting the sale of alcohol. District Election Officers are instructed to send status updates to the State Election Commission every two hours to facilitate prompt action in case of any irregularities.

These municipal elections hold significant importance as, for the first time, reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, and backward classes have been introduced in urban local bodies. This initiative aims to improve representation and promote broader participation in urban governance.

The election process began on February 4, with election symbols allocated on February 7. Now that campaigning has concluded, the administration's attention has shifted towards ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful voting experience.

In accordance with the Commission's directives, extensive security measures have been established across all municipal bodies. Police and security forces conducted flag marches in several cities, including Ranchi, on Saturday to boost public confidence ahead of the voting day.