Media will not be allowed photography and videography in counting halls during counting of votes for lok Sabha constituencies to be held on May 16. The Election Commission has said that only official recording of entire counting process will be undertaken.
The commission has also clarified that smoking will not be allowed in counting hall. No person other than returning officers and commission’s observers will be allowed to carry mobile phone inside counting hall.
Directives have been given to DEOs that every counting hall will have a media centre with telephone, fax, computer (with printer and internet). Tables and chairs for officers will be placed in this room. The commission has directed to set up a hotline there for direct dialogue of DEOs with Chief Electoral Officer. The commission has said that one room will be reserved for observer from where he can contact the commission secretly.
A media centre will be set up at suitable place in counting hall. The media centre of adequate length and width will be set up at a close distance from counting centre. It will have facility of phone, fax and data communication. Returning officer will appoint a Public Relations Officer for coordination with media at the centre.
Adequate arrangements will be made at media centre to provide information regarding counting. It has been decided that the counting of votes for 29 lok Sabha constituencies in Madhya Pradesh will commence at 8 am on May 16. Election Commission has intimated CEOs of all states including Madhya Pradesh regarding this. Along with Parliamentary constituencies, counting of votes for Vidisha Vidhan Sabha by-election will also commence at 8 am.