Visakhapatnam has entered election mode following the announcement of the 2026 local body election schedule in Andhra Pradesh. Political parties are preparing for the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) elections as candidates and party workers turn their attention to the city’s 120 wards.

According to the announced schedule, polling will take place on October 28, followed by vote counting on October 30. The nomination process for GVMC candidates is scheduled from October 16 to 18, scrutiny will take place on October 19, and candidates can withdraw their nominations before the final list is published on October 21.

 

The election process will cover 120 GVMC wards, with 18,37,901 voters expected to exercise their franchise at 1,990 polling stations. Election officials have been coordinating arrangements for polling materials, counting centres, security and other logistical requirements.

 

The Model Code of Conduct has come into effect following the election notification. Visakhapatnam district officials have directed teams to remove political publicity material from public spaces and organise surveillance and expenditure-monitoring arrangements to ensure compliance with election rules.

With the election dates now announced, the coming days are expected to see increased political activity across the city as parties finalise candidates and prepare to reach voters ahead of polling day.