AGARTALA, Nov 16 (TIWN): With the poll date coming near, all most all the CPIM candidates have file their nomination papers before the returning officers on Monday. From door-to-door campaigning, opening up election offices, distribution of pamphlets and displaying banners the candidates are taking several initiatives to woo the voters for the municipal polls, which is scheduled to be held on December 09 next. All the aspirants are on a hectic campaign in the city.

Amidst huge drama, raising slogans in favour of the party, the candidates have submitted the nomination to the returning officers on Monday.

 The elections for the 49-member Agartala Municipal Corporation have started gathering momentum at the Agartala township and the adjoining areas. The elections to Agartala Municipal Corporation, the civic body looking after Agartala and its adjoining areas is held for a five-year term.

Functionaries of different political outfits are chipping in while influencing the electorate by joining the campaigners with folded hands before them in support of their candidates. Notably, the election to 20 civic bodies in the state would be held on December 9. There are 13 municipal councils, six nagar panchayats and Agartala Municipal Corporation. Bi-elections to some gram panchayat and panchayat samities would also be held on the same day.

The last date for making nomination would be on November 19 and the scrutiny will be done on the following day. Last date for the withdrawal of the nomination would be on November 23.

However, the Municipal election will held on December 9 and the counting will be conducted on December 12.

State chief election commissioner told reporters here that counting of votes for 5 lakhs, 37 thousand, and 986 voters would take place onDecember 12.  Among them 2 lakhs, 69 thousands and 214 are male voters and 2 lakhs, 68 thousands and 754 are female voters.

The final photo voter lists for the ensuing Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC), 13 Municipal Councils and 6 Nagar Panchayats is announced by state election department. Besides, the names of SDM and BDOs appointed for one zilla parishad seat, one panchayat samiti seat and 25 wards of gram panchayat is also announced.

The testing of the Electronic Voting machine (EVM’s) has also began at election department.