CHANDIGARH: Punjab’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Sibin C, had stated that ECI had issued election schedule for holding Bye election from 10-Dera Baba Nanak, 44-Chabbewal (SC), 84-Gidderbaha and 103-Barnala Assembly Constituencies.
Giving further information, CEO said that the Gazette notification for the elections is scheduled to be issued on October 18. There after Nomination process will start and the last date for making nominations is October 25 (Friday). The scrutiny of nominations to take place on October 28, 2024 (Monday). The Candidates can withdraw their nominations till October 30, 2024. The Polling day is scheduled for November 13 (Wednesday), with the counting of votes set for November 23, 2024 (Saturday). The date for the completion of elections is November 25, 2024 (Monady). He informed that hours of poll will be from 7 AM to 6 PM.
Sibin C said that nominations can be filed with the Returning Officer for above said constituencies, between 11.00 AM and 03.00 PM on any of the notified days other than a public holiday from 18.10.2024 to 25.10.2024.
He said that the nomination papers are to be filled in FORM 2B. Blank forms are available with the concerned Returning Officer. Typed nomination paper will also be accepted provided they are in the prescribed format.
He further said that in order to qualify for a Assembly Constituency (Vidhan Sabha) seat, a candidate should be registered as an elector for any Constituency in the State and to satisfy the concerned Returning Officer on this point, the aspiring candidates should produce a certified copy of the relevant entry of the electoral roll in force.
Sibin C further said that October 19, 2024 being 3rd Saturday is not a holiday under the Negotiable Instrument Act, 1881, therefore, nomination papers can be presented to the Returning Officers on that day. But October 20, 2024 being Sunday is a holiday under the Negotiable Instrument Act, 1881, therefore, nomination papers can not be presented to the Returning Officers on that day.
He said that the Model Code of Conduct has come into force in the concerned districts from the date of announcement of bye elections i.e October 15, 2024 by the Election Commission of India and shall remain in force till the completion of the election process.