India, July 18 -- The Odisha State Election Commission (SEC) has begun preparations to conduct the Panchayat and Urban Local Body (ULB) elections after the completion of the national Census, with polling likely to be held in April or May next year.

SEC Secretary Santosh Kumar Dash said the Commission is gearing up for the elections and plans to issue the official notification in March, subject to the completion of the Census process.

Speaking to reporters, Dash said preparations are already underway following the publication of the draft reservation list for chairperson posts in urban local bodies.

The Commission has around 12,000 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for municipal elections and has placed an order for 6,000 additional EVM...