Just about two days before the Punjab Assembly poll results, the poll panel is leaving nothing to chance. It is making last minute preparations, issuing instructions to the staff concerned, for the D-day, March 11 — the day of counting of votes polled on February 4 for 117-member Punjab legislative Assembly.
So much so that the State Chief Electoral Officer VK Singh is personally supervising the poll result declaration process by visiting counting centres across the State.
On Wednesday, Singh visited all six counting centers of Bathinda district to take stock of arrangements and preparations for counting to be held on Saturday.
“All the process will be done under videography including transfer of electronic voting machines (EVMs) from strong rooms to counting hall whereas all counting centers will have CCTV cameras,” said Singh after visiting the centres.
He was accompanied by the State Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) VK Bhawra who is also the Nodal Officer for Punjab Elections.
After reviewing the arrangements, Singh said that the counting would begin at 8 am, where respective candidates and counting agents could witness all the process.
“Except election observers, no one will be allowed to take mobile phones to the counting centers so the candidates and counting agents should not bring their mobiles inside the premises of counting centres. There would be separate sitting arrangements for the candidates,” he said.
The staff deputed for counting has been instructed to remain present at their respective duty by 7 am so that the counting could get started as per schedule. A special training has also been imparted to the counting staff deputed for the purpose.
The counting staff has also been directed to ensure satisfaction of parties’ agents regarding seal on EVMs before unsealing the voting machines.
The Deputy Commissioners are also holding meetings with all the returning officers to review the preparations, giving directions and instructing them to complete all needful arrangements pertaining to counting.
Besides, the Election Commission of India had also deputed election observers who will remain present at different counting centers.