The Election Commission has finally announced the dates for Urban Local Body (ULB) polls in Western Odisha, which were postponed due to the poll boycott, demanding a separate bench of the Orissa High Court in the region.
The polls will be held in 22 ULBs in nine districts. However, the state Election Commission has decided not to hold election in Sambalpur Municipality, Hirakud NAC and Rourkela Municipality, as there is a proposal for formation of Sambalpur and Rourkela Municipal Corporations as intimated by the Odisha Government.
In total, 342 Wards in 22 ULBs across nine districts will go the polls. An estimated 6,07,715 voters will cast their ballot in 669 booths. Polling will be held on November 22, 2013, while counting will be conducted on November 23, 2013. The elections for the post of Chairpersons will be held on December 4, 2013. Model Code of Conduct will be in force in the concerned Urban Local Bodies from October 21, 2013 till November 23, 2013.
