Srinagar: Dr Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, the Returning Officer (RO) for the 02-Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency, Monday said the vote counting will be conducted in a transparent manner, in accordance with the Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines at SKICC-Centaur Tuesday.
Elaborate security arrangements, as well as facilities for polling staff and polling agents of the contesting candidates, have been put in place at the ECI designated counting centre, Bhat, who is also the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, said.
The vote counting—which he hoped would culminate peacefully—will start at SKICC at 8 in the morning.
“The counting process will be carried out transparently in compliance with the ECI guidelines and we will abide by the poll body directives. The counting for the 02-Srinagar parliamentary constituency will begin at 8 am tomorrow. EVMs of all 18 assembly segments have been kept in a strong room here,” he said while addressing the media at SKICC here.
He said 18 halls have been set up at SKICC, each of which has eight counting tables. A micro-observer, a counting assistant and a supervisor would be stationed at each table. Five ECI observers have also arrived here and are currently examining counting halls.
“As you are aware, there was an increased turnout for elections. All procedures are carried out in accordance with the ECI rules, which specifically address the need for transparent, free, and fair counting,” RO added.
He said that 800 permits were provided by the administration to the polling agents of the contesting candidates so that they could witness the “exceptionally transparent table-by-table counting”.
“We hope that counting will conclude peacefully tomorrow. All the preparations necessary for a counting centre as per ECI guidelines, whether from the RO side or security viewpoint, have been completed,” he added.
“We have also made elaborate arrangements for the polling agents. Given the intense heat, a temporary tent has been erected for them. Lunch, juice, and water will also be provided,” the RO said.
The Counting Observers nominated for all 18 Assembly Segments of 02-Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency also took a detailed review of the preparations and arrangements put in place at designated counting centres at SKICC-Centaur.
The Returning Officer (RO) briefed them about the arrangements for a smooth and hassle-free counting process viz. Entry of RO staff, ARO staff, Counting Staff, Micro Observers, Counting Agents and Media persons, besides transporting and handling of EVMs, establishment of Media Centre, Control Room, Media Gallery, installation of Public Address System, issuance of ID cards, an official press release said.
Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar, Aashish Mishra, who was present, also briefed the Counting Observers about the security-related arrangements made in and around the venue. He also informed them about barricading and parking management, security access and security passes.
