Chief Election Officer (CEO) K Ravi Kumar has said that the process of withdrawal of nominations for the second phase of assembly elections has been completed. At the same time, a total of 683 candidates are in the fray for the 43 assembly constituencies of the first phase, he added. 

Kumar said that the number of male candidates in it is 609. "There are 73 female candidates and one candidate is transgender. Out of the total 683 candidates, 87 candidates are from the recognized national party, out of which 75 are men and 12 are women. Similarly, recognized state-level parties of Jharkhand have fielded a total of 32 candidates. Out of which 28 are men and 4 are women," he added. 

Kumar said that recognized State level parties of other States have nominated 42 candidates. "Among them, 39 are men and 3 are women. Registered unrecognized political parties have nominated a total of 188 candidates. Among them, 168 are men and 20 are women. In the first phase of elections, a total of 334 candidates are trying their luck in the election field. Among them, 299 are men and 34 are women. He was addressing a press conference at Nirvachan Sadan, Dhurva on Friday," he added.

The CEO said that the Election Commission is constantly vigilant about free, fair and fearless voting. "Under this, continuous checking is being done by setting up check posts on the borders of other States connecting the state. Since the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct in the State, illegal material and cash worth Rs 135.70 crore has been seized so far," he added. 

Kumar said that meanwhile, a total of 24 FIRs have been registered so far in the case of violation of the Model Code of Conduct. The process of taking action against them is going on as per rules, he added.