Thiruvananthapuram: The newly elected representatives of local self-government bodies across Kerala are set to formally assume office today, Sunday. The State Election Commission has issued detailed guidelines to ensure a smooth transition of power within the state's three-tier local governance system.
The Commission has mandated specific timings for the ceremonies to maintain order. The proceedings are scheduled to begin at 10:00 am for Grama Panchayats, Block Panchayats, District Panchayats, and Municipal Councils. The swearing-in ceremony for the Municipal Corporations will commence slightly later, at 11:30 am. All elected representatives have been issued written notifications regarding the specific venue and time for their respective bodies.
The procedure follows a distinct hierarchy based on seniority. The senior-most elected member in each body, determined by age or previous tenure, will take the oath first. This initial oath will be administered by government-authorised officials: District Collectors will oversee the process for Corporations and District Panchayats, while Returning Officers have been assigned to Grama Panchayats, Block Panchayats, and Municipal Councils. Once sworn in, the senior-most member will assume the chair and administer the oath to the remaining councilors.
Following the ceremony, the first meeting of the new council will be convened under the chairmanship of the senior member. During this session, the secretary will read out the official notification regarding the upcoming elections for leadership positions.
The election of administrative heads is scheduled for later within the week. On December 26, the elections for Mayors and Municipal Chairpersons will be conducted at 10:30 am, followed by the polls for Deputy Mayors and Vice-Chairpersons at 2:30 pm. Similarly, the elections for the Presidents of Grama, Block, and District Panchayats will take place on December 27 at 10:30 am, with Vice-Presidents to be elected that afternoon at 2:30 pm.
regarding the election process, the Commission has stipulated that a quorum of at least 50 per cent of eligible voting members is required for the leadership elections. If this requirement is not met, the polling will be adjourned to the next working day, at which point the election may proceed regardless of the quorum availability. District election officials have been tasked with strict monitoring to ensure compliance with these protocols.
(Inputs from IANS)