ECI clarifies provisions in handbook for ROs, 2012

Chandigarh, February 1, 2013: The Election Commission of India has Clarified/corrected the instructions in handbook for returning officers, 2012.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the CEO Punjab today said that that ECI has issued the following clarifications in chapter-v (Nominations) paras 5.16 and 5.79.

Para 5.16- there is no requirement in the law that the proposers should necessarily appear before the returning officer/assistant returning officer at the time of presentation of nomination paper. However, the question of asking one or more proposer to appear before the RO may arise in cases where there is complaint/dispute regarding any proposer, their signature etc.

Para 5.79- Printed, cyclostyled and photocopies of form-B may be used by political parties but these must be signed in ink by authorized office bearer (s) of the political party concerned. Similarly fax copies of such forms are not acceptable. However in the case of a substitute candidate; it will suffice if the photocopy of form-B which could be filed by/on behalf of the main candidate is submitted with the nomination paper of the substitute candidate.

Accordingly, form A and B signed in original in ink of any colour would be acceptable provided the forms are submitted as per the requirements laid down in the symbols order.