Prez poll: Process for filing nominations starts today

New Delhi, Jun 15: The process for filing of nominations for the Jul 19 Presidential poll starts on Jun 16 with the issue of notification by the Election Commission.

The filing of nominations will start at 11 am on Saturday and will continue till Jun 30. After scrutiny on Jul 2, candidates can withdraw their nominations by Jul 4. The Presidential election is slated on Jul 19 through secret ballots which will be counted on Jul 22. The term of incumbent President Pratibha Patil ends on Jul 24.

The electoral college for the Presidential poll is 4896, comprising 776 Members of both Houses of Parliament and 4120 Members of state legislative assemblies, including those of Delhi and Puducherry. The total value of votes is 10,98,882, with that of MLAs being 5,49,474 and that of MPs being 5,49,408. Nominated members of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and state assemblies are not entitled to vote.

The Election Commission, in consultation with the central government, has decided to appoint the Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha as Returning Officer for the election. Assistant Returning Officers will be appointed in all state capitals.

PTI