Symbols will be allotted to the candidates contesting the Panchayat Raj election in alphabetical order, according to the notification. The Returning Officer will prepare the list of contesting candidates separately for each ward and publish it on the notice board of the gram panchayat.
The list will contain the names of the candidates in alphabetical order in Telugu. The order of the names will be on the basis of the first letter of the name of the candidate irrespective of whether the name given was the proper name or surname. The initials, if any, prefixed to the name should be ignored.
If two candidates had the same name, with different initials, the initials will be taken into consideration. If two or more candidates had the same name, but different surnames, the surnames will be taken into consideration.
If two candidates have the same name they will be distinguished by their occupation or residential information or in some other manner. The names of the candidates, with similar names will be listed in the order the Returning Officer received nominations.
The symbols will be allotted serially after preparation of the candidates’ list. While there are 16 symbols for candidates contesting for sarpanch post, the number of symbols for ward members is only 15. There are no common symbols for candidates contesting for sarpanch or ward member posts.
Vijayawada Sub-Collector D. Harichandana in a press release said that complaints of election code violation could be made either to the Mandal Development Officer or the Tahasildhar concerned.