Punjab byelections 2024: Nomination process begins for bypolls on four seats

Punjab byelections 2024: The nomination process for the bypolls on four Punjab Assembly seats began on Friday. The constituencies of Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal, Gidderbaha, and Barnala are set to go to polls on November 13. The Election Commission had earlier appointed election officers and returning officers for the byelections.

Nomination submissions will continue tomorrow (Saturday) as well. The Punjab byelections are being held because the former MLAs of these seats have now become Members of Parliament (MPs) and subsequently resigned from the Assembly. Political parties are gearing up for the upcoming elections.

The Punjab byelections are being held because the former MLAs of these seats have now become Members of Parliament. 

The nomination process will be open until October 25 (Friday), with scrutiny of the nomination papers scheduled for October 28. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is October 30. Punjab's Chief Electoral Officer, Sibin C, announced that polling would take place on November 13, and the results would be declared on November 23. Voting hours will be from 7 am to 6 pm, and nominations can be submitted between 9am and 3 pm.

Nomination papers can be submitted from October 18 to October 25, excluding public holidays. Candidates can file their nominations between 11 am and 3 pm on designated days at the respective returning officers' offices. The nomination form to be filled is Form 2B.

Blank forms are available with the returning officers concerned, and typed nomination papers would also be accepted, provided they adhere to the prescribed format.

Sibin C said since October 19 (the third Saturday) is not a holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, nominations could be submitted. However, October 20 falls on a Sunday and is considered a holiday under the same Act, so nominations cannot be filed on that day.