Municipal Elections: SEC Clarifies On Ex-Officio Vote !

The State Election Commission has issued fresh clarification regarding ex-officio voting rights in municipal elections. According to the new guidelines, Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) and Rajya Sabha MPs must be registered as local voters within the respective municipal limits to be eligible as ex-officio members. The clarification comes in light of a recent High Court judgment directing adherence to specific eligibility norms.

The Commission stated that if Rajya Sabha members or MLCs are not enrolled as voters within the municipal jurisdiction, they will be deemed ineligible to exercise ex-officio voting rights. Following the court’s verdict, the SEC has released updated guidelines and issued a circular to Collectors and District Election Officers to ensure strict implementation during municipal elections.