Transparency in Democracy: A Step-by-Step Guide to Researching Your Candidates
In any election, the power of a vote is only as good as the information behind it. Under Indian law, every candidate contesting an election is required to file Form 26—a legal affidavit that makes their personal and professional background public.
Whether you are voting in a State Assembly or Lok Sabha election, here is how you can pull up the “report card” of any candidate in minutes.
🔍 Search 2026 Candidate Affidavits
Check assets, criminal records, and educational qualifications directly from the official Election Commission portal.
Open Official ECI Search Portal Note: You will need to select “Tamil Nadu” and your specific constituency.1. The Official ECI Affidavit Portal (Web)
The Election Commission of India (ECI) maintains a centralized database called the Affidavit Portal.
- Step 1: Visit the official link: affidavit.eci.gov.in
- Step 2: Select the current Election Type (e.g., General Election to Vidhan Sabha 2026).
- Step 3: Filter by your State and Constituency.
- Step 4: You will see a list of candidates whose nominations have been “Applied,” “Accepted,” or “Contesting.”
- Step 5: Click the “View More” or “Download Affidavit” button next to the candidate’s name to open the PDF.
2. Using the “Know Your Candidate” (KYC) App (Mobile)
If you prefer using your smartphone, the ECI has a dedicated app called KYC-ECI.
- Download: Available on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
- Feature: It allows you to search by name and specifically highlights criminal antecedents, if any. It provides details on the nature of the offense and the status of the case.
3. What to Look for in an Affidavit?
When you open the PDF (Form 26), focus on these four critical sections:
- Criminal Antecedents: Does the candidate have any pending cases or past convictions?
- Financial Assets: This includes cash, bank deposits, jewelry, and immovable property (land/buildings) for the candidate and their spouse.
- Liabilities: Any government dues or unpaid bank loans.
- Educational Qualification: The highest degree attained and the institution attended.
4. Why This Matters
Checking an affidavit ensures that you aren’t just voting for a party symbol, but for an individual whose values and history align with your expectations for your constituency. Informed voters lead to better governance.
