New Delhi:
The process for filing of nominations for the July 19 Presidential poll starts today with the issue of notification by the Election Commission.
The filing of nominations will start at 11 am today and will continue till June 30.
After scrutiny on July 2, candidates can withdraw their nominations by July 4.
The Presidential election is slated on July 19 through secret ballots which will be counted on July 22. The term of incumbent President Pratibha Patil ends on July 24.
The Electoral College for the Presidential poll is 4896, comprising 776 Members of both Houses of Parliament and 4120 Members of state legislative assemblies, including those of Delhi and Puducherry.
The total value of votes is 10,98,882 with that of MLAs being 5,49,474 and that of MPs being 5,49,408.
Nominated members of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and state assemblies are not entitled to vote.
The Election Commission, in consultation with the central government, has decided to appoint the Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha as Returning Officer for the election.
Assistant Returning Officers will be appointed in all state capitals.
Polling will be held in Parliament House for MPs and respective state assemblies for MLAs.
CEC V S Sampath has said there is provision for postal ballot for only those electors in preventive detention.
UPA has announced the candidature of Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.