DK/Udupi: Strict protocols in place for vote counting on June 4

Team Udayavani, Jun 1, 2024, 9:37 AM IST

Mangaluru: Preparations are in full swing for the vote counting of the Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha constituency, scheduled for June 4 at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) in Surathkal. District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan M.P. announced that the counting will take place under strict security measures.

In a press conference held at the city’s Press Club on Friday, DC Muhilan provided detailed insights into the vote-counting procedures.

Voting machines stored in the strong room at NITK will be opened between 6 AM and 7 AM. Postal vote counting will commence at 8 AM, followed by the counting of EVM votes starting at 8:30 AM. A 100-meter radius around the counting center has been declared a pedestrian zone, with no vehicles allowed entry.

The area will be under CCTV surveillance, with steel mesh screens installed between staff and agents at each counting table. Election agents must enter the center between 6 AM and 7 AM, as entry will be restricted after this time, he said.

EVM votes will be counted in eight rooms, each containing 14 tables, totaling 112 tables. A separate room and 20 tables have been arranged for counting postal ballots. Eight Assistant Election Officers have been appointed to assist with the EVM vote counting. In total, 554 personnel will be deployed at the counting center.

14,09,653 Votes Cast in DK

In Dakshina Kannada, 14,09,653 votes were cast using EVMs, accounting for a voter turnout of 77.56%.

Additionally, 8,537 votes were cast via postal ballots, including those by service voters and individuals in emergency services. Of the 536 postal ballots sent to service voters, 231 have been received. Any service voter ballots received up to one hour before counting starts will be accepted, the DC added.

Complaint Submission Facility

Following the directives of the Election Commission of India, a control room has been set up at the Deputy Commissioner’s office from June 1 to handle complaints or provide information related to vote counting. The public can contact the helpline at 1950 for assistance.

Mobile phones, iPads, calculators, scissors, knives, lighters, matchboxes, electronic devices, weapons, and explosives are prohibited inside the counting center. Candidates and agents are only allowed to carry pens, note pads, and Form 17C.

850 Police Deployed for Security

A total of 850 police personnel and officers will be deployed for security on the day of vote counting, stated Mangalore Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal. Entry to the counting center will be restricted to those with identification cards, verified through a three-tier security check conducted by CAR and Civil Police, KSRP, and paramilitary forces. Three DCPs, six ACPs, and 26 Inspectors have been appointed for the process.

Fireworks Prohibited Until Midnight on June 4

Victory celebrations involving fireworks are prohibited across the district from 5 AM to midnight on June 4, Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan announced.

Enhanced Security in Udupi-Chikmagalur Constituency

Manipal: Vote counting for the Udupi-Chikmagalur Lok Sabha constituency will begin at 8 AM at St. Cecily Educational Institution in Brahmagiri. Enhanced security measures have been implemented, informed Udupi Deputy Commissioner Dr. K. Vidya Kumari.

A three-tier security system is in place for the counting center, with a 100-meter vehicle-free zone around it. CCTV cameras have been installed around and inside the counting room. Specific responsibilities have been assigned to officials and staff for counting EVM votes, postal ballots, and ETPBS votes. There are 7,853 postal ballots and 264 ETPBS votes.

Only media personnel with official entry passes will be allowed into the media center. Mobile phones are prohibited inside the counting center. Each candidate is permitted to appoint one counting agent per table, with agent passes distributed accordingly.

Private vehicle parking has been arranged along the Brahmagiri to Ajjarkad Road and at the Town Hall.

After counting is completed, the winning candidate will be issued a certificate in Form-22. All voting machines will be preserved for 45 days during the election litigation period, informed the Deputy Commissioner. ADC Mamatha Devi was also present at the press conference.