With a special focus on Uttar Pradesh, the Election Commission of India has implemented a “three-layered security” to combat any form of “rumour mongering, disinformation and breach of protocol” during counting of votes in five states on Thursday, officials said.
Besides Uttar Pradesh, counting of votes will be held in Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur.
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Amid several allegations of tampering of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in Uttar Pradesh, the poll panel has appointed Delhi and Bihar chief electoral officers to oversee the affairs in Meerut and Varanasi, respectively, the officials said.
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EC secretary general Umesh Sinha said immediate measures have been taken to prevent any breach of protocol.
“A total of 671 counting observers, 130 police observers, and 10 special observers will be on ground to ensure the smooth counting process across the country,” senior deputy election commissioner Chandra Bhushan said.
“Elaborate and foolproof arrangements have been made across the counting centres. All strong rooms, where polled EVMs are kept, are under three-layered security with inner cordon manned by central armed forces. Concerned candidates have been watching the strong room arrangements through CCTV coverage of 24x7,” he added.
{{/usCountry}}“Elaborate and foolproof arrangements have been made across the counting centres. All strong rooms, where polled EVMs are kept, are under three-layered security with inner cordon manned by central armed forces. Concerned candidates have been watching the strong room arrangements through CCTV coverage of 24x7,” he added.
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Postal ballots received before 8 am on Thursday will be counted.
“After each round of counting, tabulation of results in a prescribed format will be done. This will be signed by returning officers and the observer and a copy will be shared with the candidates. After the announcement of the round-wise result, counting of the next round will be taken up as per extant instructions,” Bhushan said.
The poll panel has taken note of the removal of officers in Uttar Pradesh’s Sonbhadra and Bareilly, Bhushan said.