Dakha bypoll: All set for counting of votes today

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, October 23

The results of Dakha bypoll are set to be declared on Thursday. The counting of votes would be held from 8 am onwards at the auditorium of GHG Khalsa College, Gurusar Sudhar, Ludhiana district. All arrangements for counting have been completed by the district administration.

The District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner (DC), Ludhiana, Pradeep Kumar Agrawal, visited the venue and showed satisfaction over the arrangements today. He was accompanied by general observer Mahavir Prasad, DIG, Ludhiana range, Ranbir Singh Khattra, returning officer Amrinder Singh Malhi, SP Jaswinder Singh and district public relations officer Prabhdeep Singh Nathowal.

20 teams of four members each will count votes

Giving more information, the DC said, “Twenty teams of four members each have been deputed for counting of votes, whereas four teams have been kept as reserve. At the counting centre, only the election staff, general observer, returning officer, candidate or their election agent, will be allowed.” “Fourteen tables have been set up for counting of votes through the EVMs, while ballot papers will be counted on another four tables,” the DC added.

One agent of candidate  on every counting table

“One agent of each candidate will be allowed on each counting table. Either the candidate or his election agent can sit behind counting table,” the DC said.

Mediapersons allowed  inside counting centre

For the coverage of the counting process mediapersons will be allowed along with their cameras into the centre, but they will not sit there. A media centre has been set up for mediapersons at the Central Library, GHG Khalsa College,” the DC added.

Only returning officer, observer to carry phones

“Barring the general observer and returning officer, no official or staff will be allowed to carry his/her mobile into counting centre. Even mediapersons will not be allowed to carry their mobiles at the centre, but they can bring their cameras,” the DC said.

Counting of votes to be monitored with CCTVs

“The entire counting process will be monitored with the help of the CCTV cameras. The real time trends/results can be checked by visiting the website, www.results.eci.in, of the Election Commission of India,” the DC added.

Adequate parking, three-tier security

The DIG, Ranbir Singh Khattra, said, “Adequate parking arrangements have been made. A three-tier security ring has been set up around the counting centre. An SP and six DSPs along with around 250 security personnel of the Punjab Police as well as paramilitary forces will be deputed at the centre.”

“Vehicles of candidates and their agents will be parked at the Dusshera ground, near Petrol Pump on Ghuman Road, Gurusar Sudhar. Mediapersons and the counting staff will park their vehicles on college premises,” the DIG added.