Persons with security can’t be counting agents

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 20

Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Rajeev Ranjan today said that any MP, MLA, Chairman of the Zila Parishad and the Block Samiti and such individuals, who have police security, could not become counting agents.

He was presiding over a meeting with the District Electoral Officers through video conferencing regarding the preparations for the counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for May 23.

He said that there would be tight security arrangements outside all centres during the counting of votes. No other person except employees posted on duty, counting agents and mediapersons authorised by the Election Commission would be allowed on the premises of the counting centres.

He directed the District Electoral Officers to issue identity cards to all counting staff, Class IV employees and outsiders, who would bring water and food.

Ranjan said that the staff posted on counting duty would not be allowed to carry anything with them such as mobile phone, pen, pencil, key ring, knife, belt, ‘bidi’, matchstick or any electronic equipment.