Election Set to Address Long-Standing Representation Gap
A significant election is scheduled for February 9, marking a pivotal moment for registered medical practitioners in Andhra Pradesh. The polls are for the Andhra Pradesh Medical Council (APMC), an organization tasked with crucial roles in regulating medical education and ensuring ethical practices. This election is particularly noteworthy as it is being held after an absence of over two decades, indicating a considerable lag in the council's representative function. The process, involving a substantial number of eligible voters and candidates, is set to unfold entirely through an online platform, aiming for broader accessibility and a streamlined voting experience. The outcomes will determine the composition of the council for the upcoming term, influencing key decisions impacting the medical community within the state.

Election Details and Administrative Framework
The Andhra Pradesh Medical Council election will feature 84 candidates vying for 13 seats. A total of 56,374 registered medical practitioners are eligible to cast their votes. The voting period is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on February 9. For the first time, the election will be conducted entirely online via the official website: https://apmc.ap.gov.in**. This digital approach is intended to allow eligible doctors to vote from any location.
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To support the election process, a dedicated chatbot, APMC Chunav Bot, has been established. Additionally, helpdesk services are available at 9000780707 and 9154032856 to assist voters.

The counting of votes and the subsequent declaration of results are slated for February 10 at 11 a.m. at the Office of the Director of Secondary Health. K.V.N. Chakradhar Babu, Director of Secondary Health, Andhra Pradesh, is serving as the Returning Officer for the APMC elections–2026.

Historical Context and Regulatory Mandate
The impending APMC elections come after a substantial hiatus, reportedly spanning more than twenty years. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Andhra Pradesh unit has actively urged doctors to participate, highlighting the council's role in:
Strengthening medical education.
Ensuring the welfare of doctors.
Preventing unqualified medical practice.
The IMA has welcomed the State government's decision to hold these elections, particularly noting that they are being conducted following a directive from the A.P. High Court. The High Court's intervention underscores the necessity and urgency of establishing a functioning and representative medical council.
Online Voting System: A Novel Approach
A significant aspect of this election is its full transition to an e-voting system. This marks a departure from traditional polling methods and is being implemented for the first time in the council's history. The objective of this digital shift is to enhance convenience and accessibility for the electorate, allowing them to participate remotely. The decision to hold elections online was announced by K.V.N. Chakradhar Babu, who is also the Returning Officer, during a press conference. This method is expected to facilitate a transparent election process, in line with the High Court's directions.
Examination of Uncontested Wins and Election Practices
While the primary focus is on the February 9 online election, some reports offer insight into election dynamics in related bodies. For instance, in a separate context, 10 seats for the Anklav APMC were won uncontested by Congress-backed candidates. This occurred after two candidates withdrew their nominations, a situation that expedited the conclusion for those specific seats. Such uncontested wins, while a procedural outcome, do not reflect the broader electoral engagement being pursued in the Andhra Pradesh Medical Council elections.
Broader Electoral Landscape and Information Sources
The provided data also includes information on other electoral processes, such as municipal elections in Paris and local body elections in Maharashtra. These are distinct from the APMC elections but provide context on varied electoral systems and administrative timelines. For instance, municipal elections in Paris are discussed with various articles detailing changes in voting systems and candidate announcements, often referencing 2026 as a future election year. Similarly, reports on Maharashtra Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti polling indicate ongoing local governance elections. These disparate reports help delineate the specific nature and scope of the APMC elections, which are scheduled for February 9, 2026, with a defined online voting mechanism.
Sources:
The Hindu - Voting for APMC elections to be held on February 9: Provides core details on the number of candidates, eligible voters, voting dates, times, online platform, and result declaration.https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/voting-for-apmc-elections-to-be-held-on-february-9/article70608078.ece
The Hindu - IMA urges doctors in Andhra Pradesh to vote in APMC elections on February 9: Details the IMA's appeal to doctors, their expectations from the elected council, and notes the gap since the last elections.https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/ima-urges-doctors-in-andhra-pradesh-to-vote-in-apmc-elections-on-february-9/article70604005.ece
Medical Dialogues - After 20-year gap, AP Medical Council to hold elections for 13 members: Emphasizes the 20-year gap and confirms the entirely e-voting system for the first time.https://medicaldialogues.in/amp/news/health/doctors/after-20-year-gap-ap-medical-council-to-hold-elections-for-13-members-163375
The Hindu - Elections to choose 13 APMC members to be held online on February 9: Reiterates the online voting mode and mentions the A.P. High Court's directive for immediate elections.https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/elections-to-choose-13-apmc-members-to-be-held-online-on-february-9/article70526032.ece
Indian Express - Congress wins 10 Anklav AMPC seats uncontested after recent loss in municipal polls: Provides an example of uncontested wins in a separate APMC election context.https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/congress-anklav-ampc-seats-municipal-polls-9920819/
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