102 candidates to contest in Kalimpong civic polls

SNS, KALIMPONG, 27 APRIL 2017: The election process reaches the withdrawal phase after the scrutiny where 65 nominees pulled out their names from the Municipality election. The symbols were also allotted to 102 candidates who will be contesting in the polls which will beheld on 14 May.

The election process started from 17 April, from when filing of nomination papers was allowed, but the political parties and independent candidates filed their nominations from 19th till 24th of April. There were a total of 170 candidates but scrutiny weeded out three candidates which left the total at 167 candidates till yesterday.

However, after 55 candidates pulled out their names from the fray today, just 102 were left, including 76 from different political parties and 26 Independent, who contest the upcoming Municipality election.

The withdrawal concludes the initial formalities of the election, with the focus now on the election campaign that will continue till 12th May. 

Later, the election observer Bijit Kumar Dhar briefly spoke to reporters, informing that the election should be free and fair where the candidates would be given the liberty to have an equal playing field for their campaigns. `Model code of conduct should be abided by every party, we will look into it and make sure everyone cooperates, law and order will be looked after by the police, said Kumar who was here for a visit today.

He will be here for another visit on 5-9 May. He urged the public to practice free and fair election and not to vote under any-body's influence. Kumar, as an election in-charge seems to be satisfied with the process till now which was successfully conducted within the guidelines and deadline.