Nomination Filing Begins December 23: Complete Process and Eligibility for Maharashtra Elections
Nomination filing for the Maharashtra civic polls opens on December 23, initiating a structured administrative process that prospective candidates must follow to contest municipal corporation and other local body elections.
Overview of the nomination window and timeline
The nomination period beginning December 23 marks the official start of candidate registration for the scheduled municipal corporation polls. During this window, individuals who wish to contest must submit their nomination papers to the returning officer or designated election office within the jurisdiction where the seat is being contested. Key administrative milestones that typically follow include scrutiny of nomination papers, a short period for withdrawal of candidatures, publication of the final candidate list, polling day(s) and counting of votes.
Who can file a nomination: basic eligibility
To be eligible to file nomination papers for municipal corporation and other local body elections in Maharashtra, a candidate generally must meet the following criteria: be an Indian citizen, be of the minimum prescribed age (commonly 21 years for municipal corporation elections), be a registered voter in the relevant electoral roll or meet residency/qualification requirements stated in municipal law, and not be disqualified under any law for the time being in force (for example, insolvency or conviction for certain offences). Parties and independent candidates must also comply with any local statutory conditions set by the State Election Commission or municipal regulations.
Required documents and forms
Prospective candidates should prepare standard documents before submitting nominations. These typically include: a completed nomination form (as prescribed by the election authority), proof of age and identity (such as an Aadhaar card, passport or voter ID), proof of residence or local electoral roll entry where required, two proposers’ signatures (often electors from the same constituency), an affidavit declaring assets, liabilities and criminal antecedents if any, and a treasury receipt for the deposit amount when a cash deposit is required. Political party candidates may also need a certificate of authorization from their party.
Filing procedure and office formalities
Nomination papers must be submitted in person to the returning officer or nominated official during office hours on dates specified by the election schedule. The officer will check the nomination for completeness and may accept it provisionally. There is usually a defined period for scrutiny in which the election authority examines each nomination for technical compliance and eligibility; objections can be raised during that time. Candidates found non-compliant may be given a chance to rectify defects where law permits, or their nominations may be rejected after scrutiny.
Scrutiny, objections and withdrawal
After the nomination filing window closes, the returning officer conducts scrutiny on the appointed date. During scrutiny, other candidates or electors may file objections against a nominee’s papers; the returning officer hears these objections and rules on them according to electoral rules. Following scrutiny, a short withdrawal period is typically allowed; candidates who do not wish to contest can withdraw their nomination within this timeframe. After withdrawal deadlines pass, the final list of contesting candidates is published and election symbols are allotted where applicable.
Deposits, symbols and party nominations
Most local body elections require a security deposit to discourage frivolous candidatures; the amount and refund conditions are fixed by statute. Recognized political parties can nominate candidates and request a specific symbol; independent candidates may be allotted a free symbol from the pool of available symbols if they do not belong to a recognized party. The allotment of symbols follows rules intended to ensure fairness and reduce voter confusion.
Practical tips for prospective candidates
- Confirm the exact nomination dates, scrutiny date and withdrawal deadline from the official election schedule published by the State Election Commission or the returning officer’s office.
- Prepare and cross-check all required documents and the affidavit before filing to avoid rejection on technical grounds.
- Keep copies of the submitted nomination papers and a receipt of filing; obtain written confirmation of provisional acceptance where provided.
- If affiliated with a political party, secure the party’s formal authorization and symbol claim well before filing.
- Seek legal advice promptly if objections are filed or if there is uncertainty about eligibility or disclosures required in affidavits.
The opening of nominations on December 23 begins a short but critical administrative phase that determines who will appear on the ballot. Careful adherence to eligibility rules, timely submission of paperwork, and awareness of the scrutiny and withdrawal timeline are essential for any prospective candidate in Maharashtra’s civic body elections.
