(1) On the day next succeeding the last date fixed for withdrawal of candidature, the Returning Officer shall prepare and publish in FORM ‘E-7’, a list of contesting candidates, that is to say, the candidates whose names have been finally accepted and who has not withdrawn their candidatures within the prescribed time on the notice board of his office.
(2) The said list shall contain the names in alphabetical order with reference in the names of candidates having surnames and the names proper of other candidates, in the language and manner in which the list of voters is prepared and the addresses of the contesting candidates as given in the nomination papers.
(3) Where a poll becomes necessary, the Returning Officer shall consider the choice of symbols expressed by the contesting candidates in their nomination papers and shall—
(a) allot a different symbol to each contesting candidate in conformity as far as practicable, with his choice ; and
(b) if more than one contesting candidates have indicated their preference for the same symbol, then symbols shall be allotted on the basis of ‘ first come first serve’ and such allotment shall be final.
(c) If more than 30% of candidates of the total contesting seats come together and form the group and demand a common symbol by common written application signed by all the concerned candidates, then the Returning Officer may allot them a common symbol.
(4) Every candidate shall forthwith be informed of the symbol allotted to him and be supplied with a specimen provided by the SCEA thereof by the Returning Officer.