EC toughens process for filing nominations

The candidates will also have to declare the details of the last property purchased,along with the date of purchase and the price. They will also have to furnish the current market value of the immovable properties possessed by them. If the I-T department receives specific complaints on the assets possessed by a particular candidate,then they will assess the concerned person’s possessions with evaluators.

Also,while earlier candidates just had to mention whether any criminal cases were pending against them,in the new forms,they will be required to furnish all details of cases in which they had once been convicted,even though now they have been released. “In the section mentioned ‘Cases in which I have been convicted by the court of law,’ the aspiring candidates will have to file details of the date of conviction,case number,convicted by which police station and tried in which court,” said Sahana.

Also,under a new directive of the Election Commission,any person convicted in any case under certain specific acts like the Section 11 of Customs Act,Protection of Civil Rights Act,Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act,Sati Prevention,Dowry Prevention Act,Anti-National Activities Act,Narcotics Act and Promoting Enmity between classes in connection with Election,will not be allowed to contest the elections.

“People who have been convicted under these acts will not be allowed to file nominations. For other people with criminal records,if a person has served a term in jails for two years or more,then he or she will not be allowed to contest elections for six years from the date of release,” said Sahana. Meanwhile,Deputy Election Commissioner Vinod Zutsi is expected to visit the state again from March 6 to March 9. During his stay,Zutsi will hold meetings with the Returning Officers of all the districts.