Bypolls: counting of votes tomorrow

As many as 236 EVMs and voter verified paper audit trial were used for system

District election authorities have made elaborate arrangements for counting of votes for the recently concluded bypolls to Nanjangud Assembly (reserve) constituency.

The counting of votes will be taken up on Thursday. For the first time, all the counting tables will be videographed and webcasting has been arranged to ensure transparency.

Votes will be counted at JSS First Grade College on Ooty Road in Nanjangud from 8 am and the process would be completed by 12 noon, according to the authorities.

Deputy Commissioner D Randeep, who is also the district election officer, told DH that webcasting has been arranged after the Election Commission received several complaints of irregularities in the process of polling, including counting of votes.

Tangible process of counting

With the facility, the election commissioner can watch the process of counting from his office in Delhi, the deputy commissioner added. The authorities have reserved one room with 14 tables for the counting process. As many as 16 rounds of counting will be held, he said.

As many as 236 electronic voting machines (EVMs) and voter verified paper audit trial (VVPAT) were used for the election. The EVMs were shifted to a strong room in JSS First Grade College, Nanjangud, after polling.

The authorities have made elaborate security arrangements near the college. CCTV cameras have been fixed at the entrance to the strong room. While personnel of Central Paramilitary Forces are providing security in the inner perimeter, the outer perimeter is being monitored by the state police.