Kakinada JC stresses strict adherence to vote counting guidelines
Addressing a district-level training programme for ROs, AROs and counting supervisors at the Zilla Parishad meeting hall here, he said every officer should have complete knowledge of the duties assigned to them and adhere to the prescribed procedures at every stage of the counting process, from commencement to declaration of results.
He emphasised that strict compliance with the rules was essential to instil public confidence in the election process.
He directed officials to complete all arrangements in advance, including provision of basic amenities, setting up counting tables and allocation of duties to staff.
He said receipt of ballot boxes, security arrangements, inspection of seals, classification of ballot papers and counting of votes should be carried out meticulously in the presence of candidates’ agents.
He also stressed that valid and invalid votes should be decided strictly according to the prescribed rules, while doubtful ballot papers should be examined and decided by Returning Officers in accordance with Election Commission guidelines.
The Joint Collector instructed officials to thoroughly verify identity cards before allowing entry of election staff, officials and candidates’ agents into counting centres and prohibit the entry of unauthorised persons.
He also called for effective supervision of multi-layer security arrangements to maintain a peaceful atmosphere at counting centres.
He further directed officials to verify the votes counted in each round before announcing the results and resolve objections and doubts raised by candidates or their agents strictly in accordance with the rules.
Kakinada RDO Sripada Mallibabu explained the counting procedure to the officials through a PowerPoint presentation.
Zilla Parishad CEO Lakshmanarao, Deputy CEO Sri Lalitha, Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, district-level counting supervisors and other officials attended the programme.
