Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, June 2: Hitesh K Koyal, the appointed election counting observer for the Udupi-Chikkamagaluru Lok Sabha constituency, has instructed officials to meticulously conduct the counting process, adhering strictly to prescribed guidelines.
He addressed officials at a preparatory meeting today held at the Deputy Commissioner's office hall in Manipal, ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election vote counting day.
The vote counting is scheduled for June 4 at St. Cecily's Educational Institution in the city, commencing at 8 am. Koyal emphasised the importance of beginning the process promptly and ensuring accuracy without any errors.
He provided detailed suggestions and instructions regarding vote counting operations, stressing the significance of maintaining vote secrecy as mandated by the Representation of the Peoples Act.
Agents participating in the counting process are permitted to bring only essential items such as pens, notebooks, and the 17-C ballot paper count statement provided by the presiding officer on the day of voting. They are prohibited from crossing the wire mesh barriers set up around the counting tables.
Counting officials and staff are required to be present at the counting center by 5 am on the day of the counting, having completed their breakfast, and must report to their designated counting rooms by 7 am. Mobile phones are strictly prohibited within the counting rooms. Access to the counting rooms is restricted to authorised personnel, including counting staff, agents, and candidates; unauthorized individuals will not be granted entry.
Before commencement, officials are instructed to handle voting machines with care and adhere to the designated guidelines diligently. Accurate figures must be recorded in the prescribed format after the counting of each voting machine.
Deputy Commissioner Vidya Kumari K provided further details on the preparations made at the counting centre for the vote counting process.
The meeting was attended by Superintendent of Police Arun K, Additional Deputy Commissioner Mamata Devi, assistant electoral officers, and other officials.