CHANDIGARH, Dec 4— The Punjab State Election Commission has directed all Deputy Commissioners to record the entire nomination process for the Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections, following opposition complaints that candidates were being blocked from filing papers.
Opposition parties had told the Commission that some of their nominees were either stopped outside offices or found officials responsible for issuing NOCs and receiving papers missing during working hours.
State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhari said he had warned district heads to ensure transparency and security. “Serious action will be taken in case of any dereliction of duty,” he said.
Thursday is the last day for filing papers for the 22 Zila Parishads and 153 Panchayat Samitis going to polls on December 14. Until Wednesday, the Commission recorded 285 nominations for Zila Parishads and 1,713 for the Samitis.
The SEC has also reiterated that returning officers, assistant returning officers and staff handling NOCs must remain present in office throughout working hours to avoid further complaints.
