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1,955 Candidates Gear Up for April 9 Assembly Polls & By-Elections

The Election Commission of India has confirmed that 1,955 candidates are contesting in the upcoming Assembly elections and by-elections scheduled for April 9. The polls cover the states of Assam and Kerala, the Union Territory of Puducherry, and by-elections in Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland, and Tripura. The final list of candidates was set after the withdrawal deadline passed on March 26. To aid voters, EVM ballot papers will prominently display coloured photographs of the candidates alongside their names and symbols.

Key Points: 1,955 Candidates in Fray for April 9 Assembly, By-Elections

  • 1,955 total candidates in fray
  • 722 in Assam, 890 in Kerala, 294 in Puducherry
  • By-elections in Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland, Tripura
  • Nominations closed March 23, withdrawals by March 26
  • EVMs to feature candidate photos for voter ease
2 min read

1,955 candidates in fray for Assembly polls, by-elections on April 9: ECI

ECI announces 1,955 candidates contesting Assembly polls in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry and by-elections in four states on April 9. Details inside.

"The EVM ballot papers will carry coloured photographs of candidates... to facilitate easy identification by voters. - Election Commission"

New Delhi, March 27

A total of 1,955 candidates are in the fray for the Assembly elections in two states and a Union Territory, along with by-elections in four states, scheduled to be held on April 9, the Election Commission of India said on Friday.

The poll panel said 250 candidates withdrew their nominations.

Among the states going to the polls, Assam, which has 126 Assembly seats, has 722 candidates in the fray. Kerala, with 140 seats, has 890 candidates, while the Union Territory of Puducherry, which has 30 seats, has 294 candidates contesting the elections.

As far as by-elections are concerned, three candidates are in the fray for one seat in Goa. Karnataka's two seats have 34 candidates, while six candidates each are contesting the bye-elections for one seat in Nagaland and one seat in Tripura.

The ECI shared the data for the Assembly elections and bye-elections to be held on April 9.

The Commission had announced the schedule for the elections to the LAssemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, along with bye-elections in six states, on March 15.

The last date for filing nominations for Assam, Kerala and Puducherry, as well as for bye-elections in four states going to the polls on April 9, was March 23, while the last date for withdrawal of nominations was March 26, till 3 p.m.

The Returning Officers (ROs) will publish the list of contesting candidates in the Official Gazette in accordance with the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, the ECI said.

The ROs will also place all election papers and proceedings related to nominations, scrutiny and withdrawal of candidatures in each constituency in a sealed packet or envelope under their custody.

Meanwhile, in line with the ECI's initiative to enhance voter convenience, the EVM ballot papers will carry coloured photographs of candidates, along with their serial number, name and symbol in large font, to facilitate easy identification by voters.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Good to see the ECI's initiative for coloured photographs on EVM ballot papers. For elderly voters and those in rural areas, this is a huge help. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
A
Aman W
Respectfully, while the process seems robust, I'm concerned about the sheer number of candidates. Does it indicate a lack of strong party filters or just enthusiasm? The withdrawal of 250 nominations also points to last-minute political maneuvering.
P
Priyanka N
Assam elections are always crucial. With 722 candidates, it's going to be a tight fight. Hope the focus remains on development issues like infrastructure and flood management, not just rhetoric.
D
David E
Interesting to see the detailed process from nomination to sealed packets. The Indian electoral system is remarkably transparent and thorough compared to many other democracies. Kudos to the ECI officials for managing this massive exercise.
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Meera T
Puducherry has a smaller assembly but still 294 candidates! Hope the people there get a stable government this time. The by-elections in other states will also be key indicators of the public mood. All the best to all voters! 🙏

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