Adequate flying squads must be set up for municipal elections – State Election Commissioner

Mumbai, Dec 2025 : For the smooth conduct of municipal elections and effective implementation of the Model Code of Conduct, adequate flying squads must be established. Along with this, the offices of all Election Returning Officers must be well-equipped, and meticulous planning should begin immediately to ensure that voters can cast their votes easily, instructed State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare.

He was speaking during a virtual meeting held today with the Municipal Commissioners of all 29 municipal corporations in the state regarding preparations for the upcoming election process. Commission Secretary Suresh Kakani, along with various officials of the commission, was present on the occasion.

Dinesh Waghmare said that strict implementation of the Model Code of Conduct should be ensured through the flying squads. For this, Municipal Commissioners must arrange adequate manpower and coordinate with the police machinery to maintain law and order. He further instructed that Returning Officers’ offices must immediately be equipped with ward maps, ward-wise reservation details, nomination forms and affidavit formats, required officers and staff, and all necessary materials.

To ensure a smooth and convenient voting experience, minimum essential facilities must be made available at polling stations. Where possible, ideal polling booths or pink polling booths should be established.

Secretary Kakani delivered a presentation during the meeting, providing detailed information on the Municipal Corporation Act and various orders issued by the State Election Commission. He said that the sequence of names of candidates on the candidate list and ballot papers should be arranged as per the amendments made by the state government to the Municipal Election Rules. Regarding election symbol allotment, the State Election Commission’s order dated May 5, 2025, must be strictly followed. He also stated that to ensure availability of adequate manpower for the entire election process, Municipal Commissioners must coordinate with District Collectors.