Police personnel deployed in front of the strong rooms at the counting centre on the Andhra University Engineering College premises in Visakhapatnam on Monday. | Photo Credit: V RAJU A sense of anticipation and an unusual silence has descended on the city, with the results of the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) elections set to be declared on Tuesday.With their political fates hanging in the balance, corporator candidates and legislators across party lines spent the eve of counting day attending meetings, consultations and prayers, hoping for a favourable outcome.Several candidates and political leaders were seen meeting supporters and party functionaries at their residences, discussing the possible outcome of the elections and assessing their prospects. Some leaders also organised special prayers and visited temples to seek divine blessings ahead of the crucial day.

Candidates belonging to all major political parties expressed confidence about their chances of victory, though the final verdict will be known only after the votes are counted.Meanwhile, the Andhra University (AU) campus has been readied for the counting process, with elaborate arrangements put in place across the designated centres. Officials were busy with the final preparatory works on Monday, while police personnel maintained strict vigil at the strong rooms where the ballot boxes have been stored.

Security arrangements have been intensified at the strong rooms, with personnel deployed round the clock to prevent any untoward incidents.Counting for the 10 GVMC zones will be taken up at 10 different locations within the AU campus. Officials and staff assigned to counting duties were briefed on their respective responsibilities, while senior police officers were seen sensitising personnel on security protocols and the arrangements to be followed during the counting process.GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg conducted a review meeting on the counting arrangements with Returning Officers, Zonal Commissioners, Zonal Special Officers, senior GVMC officials and representatives of various departments at the Gajuwaka Zone Counting Centre, located in the Administrative Block of the Andhra University Engineering College.During the meeting, the Commissioner explained in detail the procedures to be followed during counting, relevant election regulations, the responsibilities of officers and staff, and the precautionary measures to be taken at every stage.

He instructed personnel engaged in counting duties to discharge their responsibilities with composure, patience and alertness, stressing that the prescribed election procedures should be followed meticulously to avoid errors or discrepancies. Mr.

Garg advised officials and staff to visit their respective zonal counting centres in advance and familiarise themselves with the arrangements, facilities and duties assigned to them. He also directed them to ensure that all necessary infrastructure and other facilities were in place before the commencement of counting.

Published - November 02, 2026 09:18 pm IST