Chennai, March 30 (). The process of filing nomination papers for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections has started from Monday. Election authorities have issued detailed guidelines to ensure a streamlined and transparent nomination process in all constituencies.
According to officials, candidates coming to file nomination will have to strictly follow the prescribed rules. Only a maximum of three vehicles will be allowed with one candidate and it is mandatory to park these vehicles at a distance of at least 100 meters from the office of the Returning Officer.
Further, only the candidate and a maximum of three persons accompanying him will be allowed to enter the office to submit nomination papers.
A period of eight days has been allotted for filing nominations but due to public holidays falling in between, only four working days will be available for filing nominations.
Therefore candidates are advised to plan accordingly to avoid last minute complications.
In order to increase convenience, the Election Commission has provided the option of submitting nomination papers online through its official website. However, officials have clarified that candidates will have to submit physical copies of their filled nomination forms to the Returning Officer in person within the stipulated time limit.
The officials have also stressed the importance of accuracy while filling the nomination forms. Candidates must ensure that all details including their name and other personal information are entered correctly so that their nomination is not rejected during scrutiny.
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for the upcoming elections will have a colored photograph of each candidate on the ballot papers. To facilitate this, candidates must attach a recent photograph taken within the last three months along with their nomination forms.
Candidates will also have to submit an affidavit giving details of their certificates before 3 pm on April 6, the last date for filing nominations.
Scrutiny of nomination papers is to be held on April 7. Furthermore, the last date for candidates to withdraw their nominations has been fixed as April 9.
Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on April 23 and the results will be declared on May 4.
Election officials have said that all necessary arrangements have been made to conduct the nomination process smoothly and have urged candidates to strictly follow the guidelines to ensure a hassle-free experience.
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SAK/PM