IT News
Imphal, June 1:
The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur, has announced that preparations for the counting of votes for the General Elections to the 18th Lok Sabha, covering the two Parliamentary Constituencies of Manipur, are in full swing. The vote counting is scheduled for June 4, 2024, with all necessary arrangements as prescribed by the Election Commission firmly in place.
A robust three-layer security cordon will be enforced at all counting centers on the day of the count, with strict restrictions on the entry of unauthorized persons. However, authorized media personnel with valid passes and counting agents will be permitted access to the counting centers.
In a statement, Chief Electoral Officer Pradeep Kumar Jha and Joint CEO Ramananda Nongmeikapam outlined the logistics for the counting process. Votes will be counted at 24 centers located in 11 district headquarters: Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Chandel, Ukhrul, Senapati, Kangpokpi, Tamenglong, Churachandpur, and Jiribam. These centers comprise a total of 50 counting halls. Specifically, five halls are designated for the counting of Postal Ballots and ETPBS at the headquarters of the two Returning Officers for the 1-Inner Manipur and 2-Outer Manipur (ST) Parliamentary Constituencies. The remaining 45 halls will be used for counting EVMs and VVPATs.
The Election Commission of India has appointed 25 Counting Observers who will arrive before the counting date. Additionally, one ECIL engineer has been assigned to each counting hall where EVM counting will occur. Counting will commence at 8:00 AM across all counting halls.
Authorized counting agents of the candidates are advised to reach the counting centers on time to participate in the opening of strong rooms, as notified by the respective Returning Officer or Assistant Returning Officer.
Training for Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, and Counting Officials, including Micro Observers, has been completed. The counting process will be monitored under CCTV and videography coverage. Each round of counting will be updated through the ENCORE application, with real-time results accessible to the public via the Voter Turnout Mobile Application and results.eci.gov.in.
This meticulous preparation underscores the commitment to ensuring a transparent and efficient counting process, reflecting the democratic ethos and the importance of these elections for Manipur.
