By-elections for multiple local body constituencies in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were conducted on January 8, covering Gram Panchayat Member seats, a Zilla Parishad constituency and a municipal ward councillor post across different tehsils. Officials stated that polling concluded in an orderly manner, with election materials secured in designated strong rooms.
The constituencies where polling was conducted included Madhupur-6 under Gram Panchayat Madhupur in Diglipur tehsil; Bakultala-3 under Gram Panchayat Bakultala in Rangat tehsil; Mannarghat-4 under Gram Panchayat Mannarghat in Ferrargunj tehsil; and Bambooflat-1 under Gram Panchayat Hope Town, also in Ferrargunj tehsil. Voting was also held for the Zilla Parishad Member constituency at Mayabunder in North and Middle Andaman district and for Ward Councillor of Ward No. 17 under the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council.
According to election authorities, the polling process was conducted in what was described as a free, fair and transparent manner. After completion of voting, all polled materials were transferred and secured in identified strong rooms pending counting.
Polling percentages varied across constituencies. The Gram Panchayat Member constituency of Madhupur-6 recorded a turnout of 76.97 per cent. The Zilla Parishad Member constituency at Mayabunder registered a turnout of 44.62 per cent. Bakultala-3 constituency under Rangat tehsil recorded 67.81 per cent polling, while Mannarghat-4 under Ferrargunj tehsil saw 65.75 per cent turnout.
The Gram Panchayat Member constituency of Bambooflat-1 under Hope Town Panchayat registered a turnout of 72.28 per cent. Meanwhile, Ward No. 17 of the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council recorded a polling percentage of 39.73.
Election officials confirmed that counting of votes for all these constituencies will take place on February 10 from 8 am onwards. Counting will be conducted at the respective designated counting centres as per established procedures.
The by-elections were held to fill vacancies in the respective local governance bodies. These bodies play roles in grassroots administration, civic management and local development planning across the island districts.
Authorities indicated that security and administrative arrangements were put in place to ensure smooth polling across all constituencies. No disruptions were officially reported during the conduct of the elections.
The securing of polled materials in strong rooms follows standard electoral procedures until counting is completed. Officials said arrangements for counting centres are in place ahead of the scheduled vote tabulation.
The outcome of the by-elections will determine representation at multiple tiers of local governance, including Gram Panchayats, Zilla Parishad and municipal council representation within the islands.
Election authorities reiterated that the entire process adhered to prescribed guidelines to maintain transparency and integrity of the electoral exercise. Counting results are expected following completion of the February 10 vote tabulation process.
