The Hindu

Mangalore, Mar 27: The process of election to the Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha constituency will begin from April 2 as the Election Commission will issue the notification to this effect on that day.

S.A. Prabhakar Sharma, Headquarters’ Assistant to Deputy Commissioner, told presspersons here on Thursday that the contestants could file their nominations between April 2 and April 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

They would be scrutinised on April 11. Last date for withdrawal of nominations would be April 13. The counting of votes would be held on May 16, he said.

“Nominations can be filed with the Deputy Commissioner, who is the Election Officer, or with Headquarters’ Assistant who is the Assistant Election Officer.

Deposit

Each candidate, who should be at least 25 years, should deposit Rs. 10,000 as security while submitting the nomination.”

Only four persons will be allowed to enter the Deputy Commissioner’s office, apart from the candidate, while submitting the nomination.

Only three vehicles will be allowed to enter the premises of the office of the Deputy Commissioner while filing the nomination papers..

Enrolment

Mr. Sharma said that voters, who had not enrolled their names in the voters’ list, could submit applications to that effect till March 30. After verification, the applicants would be issued with electors’ photo identity cards (EPICs) within ten days. They can vote in the April 30 election.

Applications for enrolment in the voters’ list will be accepted till April 9. But they will be processed after the Lok Sabha elections. Hence such people will not be able to exercise their franchise in April 30 election.

Voters of Mangalore City North Assembly constituency can visit the centre set up at Karnataka State Government Employees’ Association building in the premises of the taluk office. For voters of Mangalore South Assembly constituency, the centre is at: First floor, Mangalore City Corporation commercial complex at Lalbagh.

Polling stations

Mr. Sharma said that there would be 1,518 polling stations in the constituency. Independent communication facility would be set up in every polling station to enable the election officer to have direct contact with every polling station. Wireless in Loop (WIL) telephones would also be provided at 150 polling stations, he said.

Checking the list

If there were to be three or more polling stations in one building, a separate desk would be set up for voters to check their names in the voters’ list. Officials on duty at the desk will have voters’ list printed in alphabetical order. They can check with the desk where they have to vote.Chief Executive Officer of Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat P. Shivashankar, and Additional Superintendent of Police R. Dileep were present.