Raj panchayat polls: Filing of nomination for first phase ends

The nomination process for the first phase of Rajasthan panchayat polls came to a close today.
Filing of nomination papers for the first phase of three-phased panchayat polls ended at 1500 hrs today, an official of state Election Commission (RSEC) said here.
Affidavits were filed for the posts of 2,305 Panchayat Samiti members, 3,562 Sarpanchs, and 39,189 Panch posts.
The total number of nominations filed were being tabulated and the exact figures would be known by midnight today, the official said, adding that the affidavits were filed as per the ordinance promulgated by the state government.
Scrutiny of papers will be on January 7. Candidates can withdraw their nomination by January 8.

Second phase of the polls will be held on January 22 and third phase on January 30, he said, adding the notification to these polls will be issued separately on January 9 and January 17 respectively.

Besides, voting will be held on February 7 and 8 for electing 33 Zila Pramukh, 33 Up-Zila Pramukh, 295 Pradhan and as many Up-Pradhan and 1,013 Zila Parishad members.
A total of 36,844 polling booths have been set up for the three phase polling. EVM machines will be used in 16 out of 33 districts.
In the entire three phase polls, 6,258 Panchayat Samiti members, 9,872 Sarpanch and 10,9469 Panch would be elected. 3.28 crore voters are eligible for exercising their franchise.