Lok Sabha Polls 2024: 1,717 candidates from 10 States/UTs to contest in Phase 4
Lok Sabha Polls 2024: The Election Commission of India on Friday stated that a total of 1,717 candidates from 10 States/UTs will contest elections in phase 4 of the Lok Sabha polls 2024.
As per the Election Commission of India, a total of 4,264 nominations were filed for 96 parliamentary constituencies across India. The polling for the fourth phase of elections will be held on May 13.
The Election Commission further stated that the maximum number of nomination forms were received from Telangana (1488) followed by Andhra Pradesh with 1103 nominations from 25 constituencies.
Malkajgiri Parliamentary Constituency in Telangana received a maximum of 177 nomination forms, followed by 13-Nalgonda and 14-Bhongir in the same state with 114 nomination forms in each.
The poll body further mentioned that the average number of contesting candidates in a parliamentary constituency for the fourth phase is 18.
The last date for filing nominations for phase 4 for all 10 States/UTs was April 25, 2024.
ECI also directed all states and UTs to ensure time-bound issuance of 'No Dues certificate' to intending candidates to be included in their affidavits.
"During ongoing elections to the Lok Sabha, 2024, it has come to the notice of the Election Commission that an intending candidate could not obtain "No Dues Certificate" from concerned authorities and therefore could not file the same with respect to the (a) rent, (b) electricity charges, (c) water charges and (d) telephone charges, even after the candidate had supposedly cleared all such dues. Such instances may cause significant loss not only to the aspiring candidates but also to the political parties and electorate of the constituency concerned and undermines the principles of participatory electoral democracy," the EC order read.
Failure to provide a 'no dues certificate,' even after clearing all outstanding dues, can result in the candidate's candidacy being questioned during the nomination scrutiny process. Even if the candidate submits the certificate after the statutory nomination filing period ends, they may still face consequences.
These situations could lead to substantial losses for both the candidates and the political parties involved, as well as for the electorate in the constituency. Such incidents undermine the fundamental principles of participatory electoral democracy. The advisory has been issued to prevent such occurrences from taking place.
Lok Sabha Elections are being held in seven phases till June 1. Polling for two phases have already been concluded. Votes will be counted on June 4.
- With inputs from agencies
