The Election Commission of India will allow candidates contesting Lok Sabha elections to electronically file their nominations as well as affidavits containing financial, educational, and legal information on their backgrounds and will consider making e-filing mandatory for wide dissemination of all information related to candidates, said Election Commissioner H.S. Brahma.

Addressing the two-day 10th annual national conference on electoral and political reforms organised by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch (NEW) here on Saturday, he said, “While the Election Commission officers are often pressed for time to verify the details submitted in affidavits by candidates a few days prior to elections, making this information available online will allow other individuals and organisations to access this information, and this may make verification quicker.”

Responding to questions on a series of criminal cases of corruption against Rajya Sabha candidates from Jharkhand, Mr. Brahma said the government should consider making a minimum period of prior residence in a State a criterion for accepting nominations.

“We will recommend that RS candidates should genuinely be residents of the States, not like current cases where candidates acquire a residence in a State a few months prior to RS elections,” he said.

Representatives of eight national and regional political parties active in Jharkhand participated.