Delhi Mayor halts MCD elections over “Undemocratic Process”

NEW DELHI: Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi refused to appoint a presiding officer for the upcoming Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) ward committee elections, scheduled for today. She cited concerns over the “undemocratic process” and insufficient time for filing nominations. Oberoi criticised the brief timeframe, highlighting that the notice for the elections was issued on August 28, with the deadline for nominations set for August 30—allowing just one clear day for candidates to complete the process.

The Mayor emphasised that the short timeframe compromises the fairness of the elections, urging the Commissioner to restart the process with at least a week’s notice. According to the Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) Act, the Mayor is responsible for appointing presiding officers, with the Municipal Secretary notifying these appointments. However, the Mayor’s refusal to appoint a presiding officer has created uncertainty over the election date.

This delay in the long-pending ward committee and standing committee elections has disrupted several civic services and financial matters within the MCD. The opposition, particularly the Delhi BJP, has criticised the Mayor’s actions, accusing her of intentionally delaying the elections. Praveen Shankar Kapoor, Delhi’s BJP spokesperson accused the Mayor of “killing democracy” and urged her to appoint the presiding officers without further delay.