Filing of nominations begins today ROs ready to receive nomination papers: CEO Meena

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Mukesh Kumar Meena has said that nomination papers will be received from the candidates from Thursday onwards, which is the most important phase of the election process. The election officials of all the districts have already completed the arrangements for this. The CEO said that the candidates for Lok Sabha seats are to file their nominations in the respective collectorates and those for Assembly seats, at RDO offices or Tahsildar Offices in their respective constituencies.
Each candidate can file a maximum of four sets of papers and contest in any two seats only. Along with the candidate, only four others will be allowed to enter the RO’s office, while the rest will be stopped 100 m away.
The CEO added that only three vehicles are allowed with the candidate. The Lok Sabha candidates will have to pay Rs 25,000 and the Assembly candidates, Rs 10,000, as security deposit. SC and ST candidates are required to pay 50 percent of the amount. The candidates are to file their nominations following the election code of conduct. The process will be video recorded; CC cameras have been installed in the room where the nominations are received right from the entry gates. As part of the implementation of the model code, the processions of the candidates and the nomination filing will also be video recorded.
The candidates have to bring 13 types of documents to file nominations. Those contesting for Parliament seats should apply in Form 2A and Assembly candidates in Form 2B. The nominations will be received from 11 am to 3 pm from April 18 to 25. The papers will not be accepted on public holidays.
The candidate can submit their nomination either directly or through his proposer to the RO or to the concerned ARO only. They should submit details of newly opened bank accounts in their name along with the nomination. A help desk will be set up for receipt of nominations. Though nominations can be filed through the Suvidha app, copies of the nominations have to be submitted physically to the RO, the CEO said.
Candidates should submit their affidavit through Form-26. The value of Form 26 stamp paper is Rs 10 or more. E-stamp can also be used if physical stamp paper is not available.
From the time of nomination of the candidate, the cost incurred will be accountable. Advertisements in newspapers and paid news are also counted in the candidate’s account, CEO Meena added.
Election schedule in Andhra Pradesh
April 18 – Filing of nominations begins
APril 25 – Last date for receipt of nominations
April 26 – Scrutiny of nominations
April 29 – Last date for withdrawal of nominations
May 13 – Polling
June 04 – Counting of votes