Andhra Pradesh Municipal Election 2026: Election Dates Changed, Know Why
The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (APSEC) revised the schedule for the 2026 Urban Local Body (ULB) elections following directions from the Supreme Court of India. Polling, originally scheduled for 28 October 2026, was moved to 1 November 2026. Vote counting is scheduled for 3 November 2026.
The key reason for the revised timetable was the need to examine complaints that some candidates were allegedly prevented from filing nomination papers because of intimidation, attacks, obstruction or other law-and-order problems. The Commission reopened nominations for specified wards in four urban local bodies to provide eligible candidates another opportunity to contest.
AP Municipal Election 2026: Key Updates
- Original polling date: 28 October 2026
- Revised polling date: 1 November 2026
- Polling hours: 7 AM to 5 PM
- Repolling, if required: 2 November 2026
- Counting of votes: 3 November 2026, from 8 AM
- Election coverage: 100 Urban Local Bodies, including 13 municipal corporations and 87 municipalities and nagar panchayats
Why Were Andhra Pradesh Municipal Election Dates Changed?
The main reason was the intervention of the Supreme Court in a dispute over the nomination process. The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and some candidates alleged that intimidation, violence and other obstacles had prevented candidates from submitting their nomination papers during the original filing period of 16–18 October 2026.
The Supreme Court directed the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission to examine representations and supporting material, including electronic evidence, and decide whether the nomination deadline should be extended in affected areas. It also directed the Commission to defer publication of the final list of contesting candidates until 25 October 2026.
Following the court directions, the Commission halted further election proceedings temporarily while seeking reports from district collectors, district election authorities and police officials. After reviewing the available material, it announced a revised timetable and reopened nominations in specified areas.
What Complaints Led to the Revised Schedule?
The complaints concerned alleged obstruction during the nomination process. Candidates and the YSRCP claimed that some aspirants had been threatened or attacked, prevented from reaching nomination centres, or had their nomination papers damaged or taken away.
These claims were allegations considered as part of the legal proceedings; they should not be treated as proof that every allegation was established. The Supreme Court directed the election authorities to examine the complaints and supporting evidence so that eligible candidates could receive a fair opportunity to contest.
Which Four Urban Local Bodies Were Given Another Nomination Opportunity?
The revised nomination process covered specified wards in the following four urban local bodies:
| Urban Local Body | Wards Covered |
|---|---|
| Kadapa Municipal Corporation | 11 specified wards |
| Tirupati Municipal Corporation | 18 specified wards |
| Rajampet Municipality | 11 specified wards |
| Mydukur Municipality | All 32 wards |
Fresh nominations were accepted on 23 and 24 October 2026, from 11 AM to 3 PM, at designated nomination centres and specified Collectorate premises. Scrutiny was scheduled for 25 October from 8 AM. Withdrawal until 3 PM that day applied only to candidates filing fresh nominations under the extended process.
Revised Andhra Pradesh Municipal Election Schedule 2026
| Election Event | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Fresh nominations in specified wards | 23–24 October, 11 AM–3 PM |
| Scrutiny of fresh nominations | 25 October, from 8 AM |
| Withdrawal for fresh nominees | 25 October, until 3 PM |
| Final list of contesting candidates | 25 October, after 3 PM |
| Polling | 1 November, 7 AM–5 PM |
| Repolling, if required | 2 November, 7 AM–5 PM |
| Counting of votes | 3 November, from 8 AM |
Candidates and voters should check the latest APSEC notification for any subsequent changes to the election schedule.
Did the Election Get Cancelled?
No cancellation was announced in the revised schedule covered here. The Commission temporarily halted further proceedings after the Supreme Court directions, examined the complaints and then announced a revised election programme. Voters should rely on official APSEC orders for the current status of polling and counting.
What Should Voters and Candidates Do Now?
- Check the latest election notices on the official APSEC website.
- Confirm polling dates, polling station details and candidate lists through official election channels.
- Candidates should refer to the relevant Returning Officer for ward-specific instructions.
- Do not rely on unverified social media messages about further date changes.
Official Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission website
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did the AP Municipal Election 2026 dates change?
The schedule was revised following Supreme Court directions concerning complaints that some candidates were allegedly prevented from filing nominations. The Commission examined the complaints and reopened nominations in specified wards of four urban local bodies.
2. What is the new polling date?
The revised schedule lists 1 November 2026 for polling, from 7 AM to 5 PM.
3. When will the votes be counted?
Counting is scheduled to begin on 3 November 2026 at 8 AM.
4. Which places received an extended nomination window?
Specified wards of Kadapa Municipal Corporation, Tirupati Municipal Corporation and Rajampet Municipality, along with all 32 wards of Mydukur Municipality.
5. Where can I verify official election updates?
Visit the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission website at sec.ap.gov.in.
Official Source and Disclaimer
Official source: Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (APSEC).
This article summarises reported changes to the election schedule and the reason for the revision. Allegations about nomination obstruction are described as allegations and not as final judicial findings. The latest official APSEC notification or subsequent court order should be treated as authoritative.
