eci-1-717-candidates-in-fray-for-phase-4-of-lok-sabha-polls

For phase 4 of the Lok Sabha elections, 1,717 candidates from 10 States/UTs will get into the poll fray, the Election Commission of India (ECI) noted on Friday. 

The fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections is scheduled for May 13.  

Of the total 4,264 nominations filed from 93 parliamentary constituencies, the highest was filed from Telangana (1488), Andhra Pradesh with 1103 nominations from 25 constituencies. 

The Malkajgiri Parliamentary Constituency in Telangana leads with 177 nomination forms, while Nalgonda and Bhongir follow closely with 114 forms each. 

The election commission noted that the average number of candidates contesting in a parliamentary constituency for the fourth phase is 18. The deadline for filing nominations for phase 4 in all 10 States/UTs was April 25, 2024. 

ECI in an order, notes, "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 concerning 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 undermine the principles of participatory electoral democracy." 

If a candidate fails to present a 'no dues certificate' despite clearing all outstanding payments, it affects their candidacy during the nomination scrutiny. Even if the candidate submits the certificate after the nomination deadline, it offers no relief.