The counting of the votes of the by-elections to three Assembly constituencies of the State that went to the polls on August 21 would commence at 8 am on Monday. By-polls were held in Vijayraghavgarh, Bahoriband and Agar (Scheduled Caste).
State Election Office sources said counting will take place at the Government Nehru College in Agar while the process would be carried out at the agriculture produce market for Bahoriband and Vijayraghavgarh in Katni district. Counting of postal ballots would be undertaken before the counting of votes polled in electronic voting machines. As many as 18 rounds of counting would be undertaken in Agar, 17 in Bahoriband and 16 in Vijayraghavgarh.
Fourteen tables have been set up for counting in the three constituencies. A separate table has been set up for counting of postal ballots. The candidates and their counting agents have been issued entry passes by the district election officers. Only authorised persons would be allowed inside the counting site. Barring the returning officers and the observers, no one will be allowed to carry mobile phones at the counting centre. With the announcement of each round, a notice would be put up on the notice board. Prior to the counting process, the electronic voting machines will be taken out of the hall in the presence of the poll observer, district returning officer and other election officers. Tight security arrangements would be in place in both the districts.
About 69.98 per cent of the total of 6,06,493 voters exercised their franchise on Thursday. Bahoriband recorded the highest turnout at 71.80 per cent, followed by Agar 70.09 per cent and Vijayraghavgarh 68.05 per cent. The electoral fortunes of 25 candidates, 10 each in Vijayraghavgarh and Bahoriband and five in Agar (SC), would be decided.