Telangana Election Commission cracks down on forced withdrawals in Panchayat polls

The Telangana State Election Commission (SEC) has issued strict instructions to prevent forced withdrawals in the ongoing Panchayat elections after receiving multiple complaints of coercion and manipulation. The commission emphasized that any attempt to influence candidates to withdraw under pressure will not be tolerated.

According to Section 15 of the Telangana Panchayat Raj Act, 2018, if only one candidate remains in the fray for a post, the election result should be declared immediately. However, the SEC clarified that such unopposed wins must be genuine, free from bribery, threats, or any form of deceit.

The SEC has directed all district collectors to set up special monitoring cells to receive and investigate complaints related to forced withdrawals. Reports of coercion, intimidation, or inducements can be submitted in writing, verbally, via WhatsApp, or even through newspaper clippings.

Candidates who withdraw must provide a declaration confirming that their decision was voluntary and not influenced by fear, threats, or financial incentives. The remaining candidate must also declare that no unfair methods, such as money, coercion, or manipulation, were used to secure the withdrawal. Any false statements may result in cancellation of the election.

Once the withdrawal deadline ends, the Returning Officer must send the results to the District Election Authority (DEA). Only after confirming there are no pending complaints will the DEA clear the election for declaration. If a credible complaint arises about election malpractices, the monitoring cell must investigate within 24 hours and recommend cancellation if necessary.

The SEC stressed that these guidelines aim to ensure free, fair, and impartial elections by preventing abuse under the guise of unopposed victories.

The Panchayat elections, announced on November 25, will take place in three phases on December 11, 14, and 17. A total of 12,728 Sarpanch posts and 1,12,242 ward member positions are up for election. Around 1.66 crore rural voters across the state are eligible to vote. Polling will be held from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., with counting starting at 2 p.m. on the same day, and results declared immediately afterward.