New Delhi, Nov. 12 -- The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) started the process for holding mayoral elections on Thursday, officials said, adding that protocols prohibiting mobile phones in the house chambers during the polls would remain in place.

The phone ban drew severe criticism from the AAP, with standing committee polls being postponed due to the issue on September 27.

A senior MCD official said the agenda was sent to all members on Monday. "The matter of security frisking remains unresolved, particularly due to the participation of seven MPs in the voting procedure," the official said.

A second MCD official said: "Usually, no frisking of MPs is done... We have asked for Lok Sabha secretariat norms and expect clarity by Tuesday...