New Delhi, March 24 (NationPress) The deadline for submitting nominations for the forthcoming Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry, as well as by-elections in four other states, concluded on Monday, resulting in a total of over 4,000 nominations received, as reported by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

In total, 4,019 nominations were filed across the three states preparing for elections, with 2,511 candidates entering the race.

Kerala led with 2,117 nominations and 1,252 candidates, followed closely by Assam, which recorded 1,388 nominations and 817 candidates. Puducherry had 514 nominations with 442 candidates.

During the by-elections, 106 nominations were submitted for five Assembly constituencies spanning Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland, and Tripura, with 73 candidates vying for votes. Karnataka was particularly active, garnering 71 nominations for two seats.

Voting for these elections is scheduled for April 9, with the last date for nomination submissions being March 23.

The ECI stated that the scrutiny of nomination papers will commence on March 24, while candidates have until March 26 at 3 p.m. to withdraw their nominations.

In compliance with election regulations, candidates must submit an affidavit in Form 26 alongside their nomination papers, revealing information regarding any criminal cases, assets and liabilities, educational qualifications, and their official social media accounts.

Those with criminal backgrounds are required to publicize these details in newspapers and on television three times throughout the campaign period.

The ECI had previously announced the election schedule for Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, along with by-elections in six states, on March 15.

Additionally, Assembly elections will take place in two phases in West Bengal next month, specifically on April 23 and April 29.

The results are set to be disclosed on May 4.

On March 15, the ECI also enforced the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) immediately following the announcement of the election schedule, restricting the disbursement of funds under MLA and MP local area development schemes, and mandating the removal of ministers’ photographs from official websites.

In addition to Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, which are set for Assembly elections between April 9 and April 23, the ECI has also issued MCC enforcement guidelines for six states where by-elections will occur for eight Assembly seats during this timeframe.

In uniform letters sent to the Union Cabinet Secretary and the Chief Secretaries of the states heading for elections, the ECI requested the immediate application of MCC provisions aimed at preventing the defacement of both private and public properties, misuse of public spaces, misuse of official vehicles, and advertisements funded by public resources, along with the removal of images of political figures from official websites.