Gujarat Gears Up for Lok Sabha 2024 Vote Counting: Chief Electoral Officer Explains Process

GANDHINAGAR,GUJARAT : As the anticipation builds for the Lok Sabha Election 2024 results, Chief Electoral Officer for Gujarat, P Bharathi, provided an in-depth briefing on the vote-counting process a day ahead of the results. Bharathi detailed the meticulous arrangements in place to ensure a transparent and efficient counting procedure. The vote counting for both the Lok Sabha election and the state assembly election for five seats is scheduled to begin at 8 am on June 4.

Vote-Counting Staff and Security Measures

An extensive team has been mobilized to handle the vote counting. This includes 56 counting observers, 30 election officials, and 175 assistant election officials. Additionally, 615 assistant officials have been specifically assigned to manage the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) and Postal Ballots. The thoroughness of the preparation is evident in the randomisation process of the vote-counting staff, which has already undergone two phases, with the third randomisation set to occur at 5 am on June 4. This final phase will be conducted in the presence of Observers who are already stationed at their designated venues.

The randomisation process is crucial to maintain impartiality, ensuring that no individual is assigned to a constituency where they reside or were previously posted. This measure is part of the broader effort to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.

Access and Security Protocols

Access to the counting stations is tightly controlled. Only Election Commission of India (ECI)-authorized officers, observers, on-duty staff officers, candidates, their election agents, and counting agents will be allowed entry. Media personnel will also be permitted, provided they have written authorization from the ECI.

The Strong Room, where the votes are stored, will be opened in the presence of key officials, including Review Officers (RO), Assistant Review Officers (ARO), candidates, or their authorized representatives, and ECI-appointed Observers. Following this, the EVMs and postal ballots will be transported to the counting hall to commence the vote counting.

A robust three-tier security system is in place at all counting centers. This involves local police, State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), ensuring the security and smooth operation of the counting process. Electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops are strictly prohibited within the counting center, except for commission observers. However, ROs, AROs, or Counting Supervisors may carry mobiles with prior permission if required for the counting process. Mobile phone usage is restricted to the media center and public communication room within each counting center.

Media and Information Dissemination

To facilitate the dissemination of information, a media center has been established on the fourth floor of block no.1 in the new secretariat. This center will serve media workers at the state level, providing them with real-time details of the election results.

For those unable to be on-site, election results will be accessible live on the day of counting. The ECI’s official website and mobile application will provide comprehensive updates, ensuring that the public and stakeholders can stay informed.