The long-delayed elections to pick the next Delhi Mayor may finally take place within the next two weeks before Diwali. A file to finalise a date reached incumbent Mayor Shelly Oberoi Monday, officials said — signaling a second attempt at holding the elections after a postponement of six months.

“The mayor has now received the file, and once she decides on a date, it will be forwarded to the MCD Commissioner. After that, it will be sent to the Urban Development Minister, and then to the Chief Minister, who will recommend a presiding officer. Typically, the mayor is appointed as the presiding officer, but any experienced councillor can take on the role. The L-G will then officially nominate the presiding officer,” said an MCD official involved in the election process.

Under the Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) Act, mayoral polls are supposed to be held in April every year, during the first assembly session of the MCD House. This year, it was scheduled for April 26.