The Election Commission (UTs) for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has announced a bye-election to fill a casual vacancy in Ward No. 17 of the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council. The polling has been scheduled for February 8, 2026, which falls on a Sunday, as part of the statutory process to ensure representation in the urban local body.
The announcement follows the occurrence of a vacancy in the ward, necessitating a fresh poll to elect a councillor for the unrepresented constituency. The Election Commission has released details of the polling arrangements to inform electors and ensure smooth conduct of the election.
As per the notification, polling will be conducted across seven designated polling stations within Ward No. 17. These stations have been identified to facilitate voter access and manage the voting process efficiently within the ward’s jurisdiction. The polling stations include Government Middle School, Dollygunj-II; Community Hall, Srinagar, Minnie Bay; Dr. B R Ambedkar Institute of Technology, Pahargaon; Government Middle School, Dollygunj-I; and Community Hall, Srinagar, Minnie Bay, with some locations hosting more than one polling station.
The Election Commission has made the polling station details public to allow voters adequate time to verify their respective voting locations ahead of polling day. Voters are expected to cast their ballots at the polling station assigned to them as per the electoral roll and polling station list.
Bye-elections to municipal councils are conducted to fill vacancies that arise due to resignation, disqualification or other reasons, ensuring continuity in local governance and representation. The conduct of the poll is governed by established electoral procedures applicable to urban local bodies in Union Territories.
Election officials are expected to make standard arrangements related to polling personnel, voting materials and logistical support to ensure a fair and orderly polling process. Voters have been advised to participate actively in the electoral exercise and exercise their franchise on the scheduled date.
While the notification primarily outlines the polling date and station details, further information related to the election process, including voter lists and other procedural aspects, is expected to be made available through official channels in accordance with the election schedule.
Urban local body elections play a significant role in local governance, with municipal councillors responsible for civic administration, public services and development-related decisions at the city level. Filling vacancies through timely bye-elections is therefore considered essential to maintain institutional functioning and democratic representation.
The February 8 bye-election will determine the representative for Ward No. 17, restoring full composition of the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council. Voters in the ward have been urged to take note of the polling station details and participate in the electoral process.
