Filling of nomination for first phase begins today
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 31 2022: The Chief Electoral Office (CEO) on Monday announced that nominations for first phase of election for 38 Assembly Constituencies of five districts - Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Churachandpur and Kang-pokpi will begin on Tuesday and continue till February 8.Scrutiny of nomination papers shall be taken up on February 9 while the last date for withdrawal of candidature will be February 11 and the polling held on February 27, said a statement issued by joint CEO Ramananda Nongmeikapam.

The statement informed that in view of COVID, the Election Commission of India (ECI) provides facilities of online nominations too through Suvidha portal.

"An intending candidate may submit application online and its print may be taken for submitting to the returning officer (RO) for depositing security money through online mode," it said.

However, a candidate will continue to have the option of deposit in cash to the RO.

A candidate can also seek permission for meeting, door to door campaign in online mode.

Besides, the number of persons to accompany a candidate for submission of nomination paper is restricted to two, the joint CEO said.

It also informed that the maximum number of vehicles for the purpose of nomination will be, restricted to two.

Adequate arrangements have been made at RO offices.

Candidates and their companions shall abide by the norms specified by ECI and State Disaster Management Authority, it added.

The joint CEO also mentioned that ECI had on Monday allowed physical public meetings of political parties or contesting candidates in designated open spaces with a maximum of 1000 persons (instead of existing 500 persons) or 50% of the capacity of the ground or the prescribed limit set by SDMA, whichever number is lesser, from February 1 for all phases.

The commission has also enhanced the limit for door to door campaigns up to 20 persons, excluding security personnel.

The commission has now granted relaxation for political parties to the extent that indoor meetings of a maximum of 500 persons (instead of existing 300 persons) or 50% of the capacity of the hall or the prescribed limit set by SDMA is allowed.

However, ECI continues to impose restrictions on road shows, Pad-yatras, cycle/bike/vehicle rallies and processions till February 11, it added.

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