15.4.12

MCD elections





Delhi’s 1.15 crore voters will script history on Sunday when they elect councillors to three new civic bodies that will replace the 54-year-old Municipal Corporation of Delhi. Voting starts at 8 am. The trifurcation notwithstanding, the number of candidates this time has come down to 2,423 from 2,575 in 2007. “Delhi has to aspire for a first division this time. In 2007, Delhi registered a low turnout of 42.78%,” said Delhi election commissioner Rakesh Mehta. With 1,176 independent candidates and 17 parties in the fray, RWAs are likely to strongly influence the results by taking on the vote bank approach of political parties. Also, the 50% reservation of seats for women in the three new corporations will give women an effective role in civic affairs.