Candidates need not submit NOC with nomination papers: Som Parkash

Former Union Minister Som Parkash has clarified that the candidates contesting the urban local body elections do not need to submit a No- Objection Certificate (NOC) along with their nomination papers.

Speaking to the media, Som Parkash referred to a directive issued by the Punjab State Election Commission on May 24, 2019, under the Punjab State Election Commission Act, 1994. The directive explicitly states that no NOC is required with nomination papers for municipal corporation and municipal council elections.

This clarification comes as candidates prepare for the elections scheduled for December 21. According to the announcement, polls will be held for five municipal corporations and 43 municipal councils across the state.

Som Parkash reiterated that candidates can file their nomination papers without the need for an NOC as long as other eligibility criteria are met.

He cited the Election Commission correspondence dated May 27, 2019, which reaffirms this rule.

With this announcement, political parties and aspiring candidates are expected to proceed with greater clarity and focus on their campaigns. As the election date nears, all major political parties have already ramped up their activities, setting the stage for intense electoral contests across the state.

The clarification is likely to ease the nomination process and encourage wider participation in the elections.