Number of persons to accompany candidate for submission of nomination is restricted to two

Feb. 26: The schedule for the forthcoming Assam Assembly Elections, 2021 was declared by Sunil Arora, 23rd Chief Election Commissioner of India (CEC) in an important press conference on Friday evening. Election Commission of India (ECI) announced dates for elections to the legislative assemblies of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry today during the press meet.

Brief description about filing of nomination are as given below:

I. Additional option to facilitate online mode in nomination has been provided:

1) Nomination form will also be available online on the website of CEO/DEO. Any intending candidate may fill in it online and its print may be taken for submitting before the Returning Officer as specified in Form-1 (Rule-3 of Conduct of Election Rules 1961).
2) Affidavit may also be filled in online on the website of CEO/DEO and its print can be taken and after notarization it may be submitted along with the nomination form before the Returning Officer.
3) Candidate may deposit security money through online mode at the designated platform. However, a candidate will continue to have the option of deposit in cash in the treasury.
4) Candidate may have the option to seek his/her elector certification for the purpose of nomination online.

II. Further, Commission has directed the following:

1) Number of persons to accompany candidate for submission of Nomination is restricted to two (2) instead of five (5). (This is in supersession of existing Para 5.8.1 of Returning Officer’s Handbook 2019)
2) Number of vehicles for the purposes of nomination is restricted to two (2) instead of three (3). (This is in supersession of existing Para 5.8.1 of Returning Officer’s Handbook 2019)

3) Returning Officer’s chamber should have sufficient space to perform the functions of nomination, scrutiny and symbol allocation following social distancing norms.
4) Returning Officer should allot staggered time in advance to prospective candidates.
5) Large space for waiting for candidate(s) should be arranged.
6) All steps required to be taken for the submission of nomination form and affidavit shall continue to operate as per the provisions contained in the Representation of the People Act, 1951.