JOIN USNo contestant filing his affidavit online for Lok Sabha polls can leave any column blank as the software will automatically reject the form, said the Election Commission.
The online facility to file affidavits is available to the candidates as an optional measure.
“Online submission will not accept any incomplete application in respect of columns which are required to be filled in mandatorily. If a column is left blank it may lead to rejection of nomination paper,” said an EC directive which was sent to all Chief Electoral Officers.
The decision by the EC comes after a Supreme Court order that allowed the returning officer to reject nomination papers of a candidate for non-disclosure and suppression of information, including that of assets and their criminal background.
Candidates going for e-filing facility will have to enter the required information through the EC website.
For the convenience of the candidates, the software allows them to take print outs of their online submission on stamp paper. The printed copy on stamp paper will have to be certified by a public notary, first class magistrate or an oath commissioner.
The online affidavit can be changed by the candidate using the portal even after taking a print out on a stamp paper before submitting it to the returning officer.