Udupi: All Measures In Place for Smooth Counting of Votes in Constituency
 
Pics by Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi (RD/CN)

Udupi, May 14: “The counting of votes of eight legislative assembly constituencies that come under Udupi–Chikmagalur Lok Sabha constituency, will begin at T A Pai English Medium High School, Kunjibettu, here at 8.00 am on Saturday May 16”, said deputy commissioner (DC) and Electioneering Officer (EO) Hemalata P.
 
Addressing media persons at the district headquarters here on Wednesday May 13, along with SP Praveen Madukar Pawar, the DC said that a media office has been set up with a TV display and STD telephone connection at the poll counting centre. 

In all, 131 supervisors and an equal number of counting assistants have been appointed to assist in the counting process.  Cross examinations at every stage of counting will be done by higher officers.

“Micro observers will assist the counting staff.  Each candidate can assign a total of 117 agents.  The entry to the counting centre will be restricted to pass holders and canteen facilities will be available separately for the counting staff and agents”, Hemalata added. 
 
“The district wide ban on all liquor shops will be enforced from 6.00 pm on Friday May 15 to 8.00 am on Sunday May 17, as a precautionary measure to facilitate smooth counting of votes.  Moreover, prohibitory orders under Section 144 will be clamped across the district from midnight on Friday to 8.00 am on Monday May 18, to allow smooth counting of votes and enforce the ban all forms of victory celebrations later”, Hemalata informed.
 
“The results of vote counting will be announced over the public address system by the EO, during the various rounds.  Doctors and ambulance will be on stand-by throughout the poll counting in case any of the counting staff fall ill”, she added.