Vote Counting Process: With the results of the Lok Sabha elections imminent, many are curious about the detailed processes involved in vote counting. Here’s a comprehensive look at what happens on the day of counting, from the security measures for Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to the announcement of election results.
What is a Strong Room?
A strong room is a highly secure location where EVMs are stored after voting. This room, typically situated in a government building like a district college, is kept under stringent security and continuous camera surveillance until the day of counting.
Who Opens the Strong Room?
The lock of the strong room is opened on the day of counting, usually around 7 am. This process occurs in the presence of the candidates or their representatives, the Returning Officer, and Election Commission observers. The entire event is videographed to ensure transparency. Following this, the Control Unit (CU) of the EVM is taken to the counting table under similar surveillance.
When Does the Counting of Votes Begin?
Vote counting starts at 8 am on the designated day. The Returning Officer can, however, change this time in case of special circumstances or emergencies. Initially, the counting of postal ballots and electronic postal ballots is conducted, typically taking about 30 minutes.
When Do the First Trends Emerge?
The counting of EVM votes begins immediately after the postal ballots are counted. The first election trends are usually available around 9 am, providing an early indication of the possible outcome.
Selection of Counting Officers
Counting centers are organized with 15 tables in each hall—14 for counting and one for the Returning Officer. The allocation of employees to specific tables and halls is done randomly by the district’s election officer on the morning of the counting day, usually between 5-6 am. This random allocation ensures that the assignments remain confidential until the last moment.
Access to the Counting Center
Only authorized personnel are allowed inside the counting center. This includes the counting staff, the Returning Officer, some security personnel, and election agents. Once inside, agents are not permitted to leave until the counting is fully completed. There are typically 15 agents in a hall, selected by the candidates to monitor the process.
When is Re-Counting Initiated?
If any candidate or their agent suspects discrepancies in the vote count, they can request a re-counting. According to the Election Commission’s regulations, re-counting requests can be made until the results are officially announced.
Who Declares a Victory or Defeat?
Rule 63 of the Conduct of Election Rules mandates that after the votes are counted, the Returning Officer enters the vote tally for each candidate into the result sheet and announces the results. The winning candidate is then given a certificate of victory, officially confirming their win.
Post-Counting Procedures for EVMs
Once the vote counting is concluded, the EVMs are returned to the strong room. As per the regulations, these machines must remain in the strong room for 45 days post-counting. After this period, they are transferred to another secure storage facility.
This systematic and secure process ensures the integrity of the vote counting procedure, safeguarding democracy and ensuring that the results reflect the true will of the people.
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