Incomplete affidavit will lead to rejection, says EC

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, February 8

The Election Commission of India (EC) has communicated to office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Punjab, that failure to submit revised affidavit, complete in all respects, will be a ground for rejection of nomination papers of candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

CEO Dr S Karuna Raju said, “If any columns are left blank in the affidavit along with Form 26, the Returning Officer will ask the candidate concerned to complete his papers before scrutiny. There will be no chance afterwards. Even the political parties are expected to doubly ensure that their candidates give all details sought in their affidavit. Otherwise, the party will stand to lose a seat without contesting the election.”

The communication is seen as a very effective tool for ensuring that candidates give all details of their background, particularly criminal, if any. The ECI has underlined that voters should be given complete information on the background of the candidates in fray for the elections to allow them making their choice.