Election officials on Wednesday check electronic voting machines for the May 16 polls to the Gaya Municipal Corporation (GMC) and other civic bodies in the district. Around three lakh voters in 53 wards of GMC are likely to exercise their democratic franchise and elect their councillors. Besides, polling for the nagar panchayats in Bodhgaya, Tekari and Sherghati will be held the same day. Tuesday was the last date of filing of nominations. No untoward incident was reported from any part of the state since filing of nomination began from April 16. The administration has arranged tight security to ensure peaceful polling. The mayor’s post in the Gaya civic body is reserved for women. The incumbent mayor is Shagufta Parveen, while her deputy is Akhauri Onkarnath, alias Mohan Shrivastava. Text by Alok Kumar, picture by Suman