Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Anurag Agarwal on Monday said that the counting of votes for the Haryana Lok Sabha elections and the Karnal Assembly by-election will begin at 8 AM at as many as 91 Counting Centres across the State. The counting of postal ballots at the Returning Officer's counting centre will begin before the EVM counting. Slips from five randomly selected VVPATs will be matched in the presence of counting agents, he added.
The CEO said that all necessary preparations have been completed to ensure the counting process is carried out efficiently and peacefully. The Election Commission of India has appointed counting observers at all counting centres to monitor the counting process. He informed that for any information or complaints related to the counting, one can contact the toll-free number 0172-1950, the control room telephone 0172-2701362, or email at hry_elect@yahoo.com.
Agarwal emphasized that every official, clerk, agent, or other persons involved in recording or counting votes must maintain the confidentiality of voting. Violating this is considered a crime under Section 128 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which can result in imprisonment for up to 3 months, a fine, or both.
He said that no official connected with the conduct of elections shall perform any act (other than voting) that furthers the prospects of any candidate's election. Any person who, without reasonable cause, breaches their official duty in connection with an election will be liable for a fine of up to Rs 500 under Section 134 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
To ensure a peaceful vote-counting process, Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapur on Monday said that the Police have made stringent security measures across the state. A three-tier security system has been in place around 91 counting centers. The first tier will be manned by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), the second by Haryana Armed Police (HAP) or Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel, and the third by district police officers. Over 10,000 police personnel have been deployed to ensure smooth operations at the counting centers, he added.
Kapur said at least 70 police personnel have been stationed at each counting center. Additionally, 15 companies of CAPF along with other police officers have been assigned to the counting centers. Security checkpoints have been established within a 100-meter radius of these centers. CCTV cameras have been installed in all 91 strong rooms to monitor every activity closely. Unauthorized individuals are strictly prohibited from entering these areas. Police commissioners and superintendents have been instructed to adhere to guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India to maintain law and order during the counting process.
Vote Counting for Chandigarh LS Election to be held at Sector 26
UT Chandigarh Chief Electoral Officer Dr Vijay Namdeorao Zade on Monday said that the counting of votes for Chandigarh Parliamentary Constituency on Tuesday will take place at the Chandigarh College of Engineering and Technology (CCET), Sector 26 as per the procedure laid down by the Election Commission of India.
He said that within the CCET campus, two halls have been designated for the counting process, accommodating 42 counting tables. This setup has been strategically designed to handle the counting process effectively, with an anticipated 15 rounds of counting, he added. According to a statement, each hall has the necessary infrastructure and security arrangements to facilitate a transparent and orderly process. In addition to the regular counting tables, special provisions have been made for the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS). The counting of postal ballots will commence at 8 am followed by the votes polled in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at 8.30 am, he added.
