MPTC, ZPTC elections 2026: Polling underway across Andhra Pradesh
Synopsis
Andhra Pradesh goes to the polls for MPTC and ZPTC elections on 5 November, with 2.61 crore voters, 21,012 candidates, and over 2 lakh polling staff deployed. The TDP-led NDA, fresh from sweeping 95 of 100 urban local bodies, is eyeing a clean sweep at the grassroots level too — making these elections a significant test of the ruling coalition's grip on Andhra Pradesh's local governance.
Key Takeaways
Polling for 582 ZPTC and 7,767 MPTC seats is underway across Andhra Pradesh on 5 November from 7 am to 5 pm .
2.61 crore voters are eligible across 31,460 polling centres , with 21,012 candidates in the fray.
Polling postponed in five mandals in Eluru and East Godavari districts due to heavy rain; rescheduled for 6 November .
The SEC has deployed 2,01,116 polling staff and identified 7,160 hyper-sensitive polling centres .
The TDP -led NDA coalition won 95 out of 100 urban local bodies on 1 November and is confident of a strong showing.
Vote counting is scheduled for 7 November ; repoll, if required, on 6 November .
Voting is underway across Andhra Pradesh on Thursday, 5 November for Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency (MPTC) and Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) elections, with 2.61 crore eligible voters casting their ballots amid tight security and elaborate surveillance arrangements. Polling commenced at 7 am across 31,460 polling centres and is scheduled to continue until 5 pm, according to the State Election Commission (SEC).
Scale of the Elections
Polling is being conducted for 582 ZPTC and 7,767 MPTC seats across the state. Out of 663 ZPTCs, election notification was issued for 659, while notification was issued for 9,829 MPTCs out of a total of 9,858 in the state. Notably, elections to 77 ZPTCs and 2,051 MPTC seats were returned unopposed. A total of 21,012 candidates are contesting — 2,169 for ZPTC seats and 18,843 for MPTC seats. The SEC has deployed 2,01,116 polling officers and staff to manage the exercise.
Security and Surveillance Arrangements
The SEC has identified 8,904 polling stations as sensitive and 7,160 as hyper-sensitive. CCTV cameras have been installed at 16,084 centres, webcasting arranged at 6,000 centres, and videography at 6,507 centres. Additional security forces have been deployed in Palnadu, Annamayya, YSR Kadapa, and Tirupati districts, following incidents of violence reported during the nomination process and earlier urban local body polling. The heightened vigilance reflects concerns that have been building since the nomination stage.
Postponements Due to Heavy Rain
In view of heavy rainfall, the SEC has postponed polling in five mandals in Eluru and East Godavari districts, as well as at two polling centres in another mandal. Polling in these affected areas will be held on Friday, 6 November. If a repoll is necessary anywhere, it will also be conducted on 6 November. Counting of votes is scheduled for 7 November.
Background: Why Polling Was Rescheduled
The polls were originally scheduled for 4 November but were rescheduled after the Supreme Court ordered a postponement of urban local body elections from 28 October to 1 November, prompting the SEC to adjust the MPTC and ZPTC polling date accordingly. This comes amid a broader local governance election cycle in the state.
Political Stakes and NDA's Momentum
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led ruling coalition, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), enters the polls riding on strong momentum. TDP and its allies — Jana Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — made a clean sweep in the 1 November urban local body elections, winning 95 out of 100 urban local bodies that went to polls. The coalition is confident of repeating that dominance at the panchayat tier.
Point of View
Coming just days after the coalition swept 95 of 100 urban local bodies. If the coalition replicates that dominance at the mandal and zilla parishad tier, it would signal a near-complete consolidation of local power. The violence reported during nominations — serious enough to prompt additional force deployment in four districts — is the undercurrent mainstream coverage has underplayed; competitive local elections in AP have historically been flashpoints, and the SEC's decision to identify over 7,000 hyper-sensitive centres is itself a signal. The Supreme Court-triggered rescheduling also added logistical pressure, and weather disruptions in Eluru and East Godavari could affect turnout in ways that influence marginal seat outcomes.
NationPress
5 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are MPTC and ZPTC elections in Andhra Pradesh?
MPTC (Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency) and ZPTC (Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency) elections are local body polls held to elect representatives to mandal and district-level panchayat councils in Andhra Pradesh. They form the foundational tier of rural local governance in the state.
When is voting and counting for the AP MPTC ZPTC elections?
Polling is being held on 5 November 2026, from 7 am to 5 pm. Counting of votes is scheduled for 7 November. Any repoll required will be held on 6 November.
Why was polling postponed in some areas?
The State Election Commission postponed polling in five mandals in Eluru and East Godavari districts due to heavy rain, as well as at two polling centres in another mandal. Voting in these areas has been rescheduled to 6 November.
How many candidates and voters are involved in the AP local body polls?
A total of 21,012 candidates are contesting — 2,169 for ZPTC seats and 18,843 for MPTC seats. About 2.61 crore voters are eligible to participate across 31,460 polling centres.
Why have additional security forces been deployed in some districts?
Additional forces have been deployed in Palnadu, Annamayya, YSR Kadapa, and Tirupati districts following incidents of violence during the nomination process and earlier urban local body polling. The SEC has also identified over 7,000 polling stations as hyper-sensitive.
