A.(1) Any person nominated as a candidate may withdraw his candidacy by written statement of withdrawal made, signed, and acknowledged before an officer qualified to administer oaths. The original of the statement shall be filed prior to 4:30 p.m. on the seventh day after the close of the qualifying period with the secretary of state, who shall note thereon the date it was filed.
(2) The secretary of state shall not accept a statement of withdrawal that does not satisfy the requirements of Paragraph (1) of this Subsection. The secretary of state shall endorse the date and time of receipt of such a notice of withdrawal and return the notice forthwith, either personally or by registered or certified mail.
B. A statement of withdrawal filed in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph (A)(1) of this Section shall become effective on the date of the filing. The effect of the withdrawal shall be as provided in R.S. 18:502.