Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, May 18: Deputy commissioner of the district, Hephsiba Rani Korlapati, who also happens to be the chief electoral officer of the district, addressing a press conference here on Saturday May 18, said that counting of votes relating to Udupi - Chikkamagaluru Lok Sabha constituency would be taken up at 8 am on May 23 in the presence of election observers, candidates of the constituency, and their agents as per the guidelines issues by the election commission. She said that all preparations for the smooth conduct of the counting process have been made at different rooms of St Cicily's Educational Institutions here.

"The counting will take place in 14 rooms. One room each has been allotted for counting of votes pertaining to Kundapur and Karkala assembly constituencies while other constituencies have been allotted two rooms each. For safety, wire mesh security has been provided between the counting officers and agents. CCTV cameras have been installed. Postal ballots will be counted in five different tables inside the room of the election officer," she explained.

She said that counting of votes in each of the rooms would be supervised by eight assistant electoral officers and six additional assistant electoral officers. She also pointed out that only people holding authorised identity cards will be allowed to enter the counting centres. Cell phones, bidis, cigarettes, scissors, blades, cigar lights etc cannot be carried into the centre. The concerned should cooperate during checks by security officials. Women security officials will undertake checks of ladies, she stated.

Prohibitory orders would be in force under section 144 of Indian Penal Code from 6 am on May 23 to 6 am on May 25 during which period no victory processions or meetings can be held, she said. Further, as a precautionary measures, dry day would be enforced from 6 am on May 22 to 6 am on May 24 in the district during which period transportation and sale of liquor would remain banned.