Proposal for mayor elections sent to L-G

New Delhi: Election of mayors in three civic bodies will likely to be held in the latter half of this month. A proposal has been sent to the lieutenant governor about tentative dates for the mayoral polls.

As per the DMC Act, mayor has to be elected in the first meeting of the House after administration of oath of newly-elected councillors. “By rule, a mayor is supposed to be elected in the first meeting of the new House. But, for convening the first meeting after a municipal poll, the L-G has to give its approval, who then would appoint a presiding officer and a senior officer. While the senior officer administers the oath to councillors, the presiding officer oversees the mayoral election. The L-G may, at his discretion, appoint one officer for both the posts,” said a senior civic official.

A proposal has been sent to the L-G with tentative dates for the mayoral polls for the three municipal corporations. For the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), the proposed date is May 18. For the South Delhi Municipal Corporation  it is May 19 and for the East Delhi Municipal Corporation  it is May 22. “Now we are awaiting the L-G’s response,” he added.

In the EDMC, the expiry of the mayoral term has already created issues, with outgoing East Delhi mayor Satya Sharma alleging that she is no more allowed to access her office and official vehicle. The mayors of North Delhi and South Delhi civic bodies continue to enjoy the amenities entitled to them.

The post of mayor sees five single-year terms on a rotation basis, with the first year being reserved for women, third year for scheduled caste councillors.