: As dust settled on the scrutiny of nominations filed for local bodies in the district, the number of candidates was almost six times the total number of wards.
As against 2,044 wards spread over 111 local bodies in the district, 12,603 candidates remained in contention. Ernakulam has the most number of wards in the State after Malappuram, which has 2,510 wards.
The number of candidates is likely to remain high unless massive withdrawal of nominations takes place before the 3 p.m.-deadline set for Saturday.
For 74 wards in Kochi Corporation, 558 contenders are in the fray compared to 152 candidates for 27 wards in the district panchayat and 2,089 candidates for 421 divisions in 13 municipalities, including two newly formed municipalities of Piravom and Koothattukulam. For 1,338 in 82 grama panchayats, 8870 candidates are in the fray while for 184 wards in 14 block panchayats that number is 934.
While the rejection of nomination of two candidates is reported in district panchayat, five candidates found themselves out of contention in Corporation according to reports.
Campaigning
Though campaigning through SMS is permitted, the general guidelines on the code of conduct would be applicable to it as well. SMS campaigning should strictly comply with the prevailing cyber laws. Sending defamatory messages is a criminal offence.
However, inside polling booths, only the returning officers and security officers would be permitted to use mobiles.
Sound pollution
District collector M.G. Rajamanickam warned of stern action on charge of sound pollution for injudicious use of loud speakers. In the event of violations, microphone operator’s license will be suspended and his equipment seized. Loud speakers could be used at the venues of public meeting from two hours prior to the meeting and should be switched off immediately after the meeting. Microphone and other sound equipment are allowed only between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
The number of candidates is likely to remain high unless massive withdrawal of nominations takes place before the 3 p.m.-deadline on Saturday.
