Dates and Procedure for Party elections

Summary

This one-page English office circular, dated April 11, 1968, sets out the schedule and procedures for annual elections to the Swatantra Party’s parliamentary offices. It lists the positions to be elected—including Chairman and Leader, Deputy Leader, Leader in the Rajya Sabha, secretaries, whips, and six Executive Committee members—with separate representation from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

The circular fixes the election for April 30, 1968, and specifies nomination, withdrawal, polling, and voting arrangements. Nomination papers were due by 7 p.m. on April 22, withdrawals by 1 p.m. on April 27, and polling was to be conducted by secret ballot using a single transferable vote for each office. The document is signed only “Secretary”; no personal author or signatory is named.

Key points

• The circular announces annual elections for the Swatantra Party’s parliamentary office bearers.
• Offices include party leadership, Rajya Sabha leadership, secretaries, whips, and Executive Committee members.
• The election is scheduled for April 30, 1968, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., with polling in Parliament House between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• Nomination papers must be received by 7 p.m. on April 22, and withdrawals must be completed by 1 p.m. on April 27.
• Nominations are to be invited from members of both Houses and signed by proposers with the candidates’ consent.
• Voting is by secret ballot using a single distributive vote for each office; Executive Committee elections allow members as many votes as there are seats for their House, but no more than one vote per candidate.