Archive · 6 Sep 2026
New Rules Set Deposits and Disclosure Requirements for Municipal Elections
The government has introduced new rules for municipal elections.
These elections choose mayors and corporators.
The amended law began operating on August 28.
Candidates must pay a deposit when they file their nominations.
The deposit is lower for candidates from SC, ST and BC categories.
Candidates can file up to four sets of nomination papers.
They must also give a notarized document with information about their records, money, debts and education.
Polling officials can cancel votes or recall ballot papers when election rules are broken.
Older and visually impaired voters can get help from one adult, but that helper can assist only one voter.
The Municipal (Amendment) Act-2026 came into force on August 28.
Nomination deposits are Rs 5,000 for general-category candidates and Rs 2,500 for SC, ST and BC candidates.
Candidates may submit a maximum of four sets of nomination papers.
Notarized affidavits disclosing criminal records, assets, liabilities and education are mandatory.
Visually impaired and elderly voters may receive assistance from one person aged 18 or above, with each assistant limited to one voter.
- Who
- The state government, municipal election candidates, polling officials, and municipal voters are affected by the new rules.
- What
- The government notified regulations implementing the Municipal (Amendment) Act-2026 for mayoral and corporator elections.
- When
- The amended legislation came into force on August 28.
- Where
- The rules apply to municipal elections in the state; the announcement was made from Amaravati.
- Why
- The provisions are intended to streamline elections and improve transparency and discipline during polling.
- Legislation
- Municipal (Amendment) Act-2026
- Effective date
- August 28
- General-category deposit
- Rs 5,000
- SC, ST and BC deposit
- Rs 2,500
- Maximum nomination sets
- Four
- Required disclosure
- A notarized affidavit covering criminal antecedents, assets, liabilities and educational qualifications
- Voter assistance
- One person aged 18 or above may assist one visually impaired or elderly voter