However, the Election Commission did not countermand the election as YSR Congress is not a recognized party. Since her name was already included on the ballot paper, the poll panel clarified that she remained a contesting candidate and if she gets elected, a by-election will be held. The clarification came as some poll officials were earlier quoted as saying that the votes polled for the deceased candidate will be treated as votes cast for NOTA (None of the above) option. One of the officials had also stated that even if the deceased gets the highest number of votes, the candidate with maximum number of votes among the remaining contestants will be declared elected. YSRCP has bagged 63 seats in the 175 member assembly in Seemandhra.