New Delhi, May 2 (TNT): The Election Commission of India (ECI) has deployed 165 Additional Counting Observers and 77 Police Observers to ensure smooth, secure, and transparent counting of votes polled in the West Bengal Assembly election on May 4.
According to an official press note on Saturday, the Additional Counting Observers will assist Counting Observers in constituencies having more than one counting hall, while Police Observers will oversee security and law and order arrangements around counting centres.
The Commission said the deployment aims to ensure that counting is conducted in a peaceful, intimidation-free environment.
The observers have been appointed under Article 324 of the Constitution and relevant provisions of election law.
Police Observers will coordinate closely with counting officials and local authorities but will not be allowed inside counting halls on the day of counting, the ECI clarified.
Strict entry protocols have also been put in place, with access to counting centres permitted only through QR code-based photo identity cards issued via the ECINet system.
Additionally, only the Counting Observer and Returning Officer will be allowed to carry mobile phones inside counting halls.
The ECI said results from Electronic Voting Machines will be recorded in prescribed forms in the presence of counting agents, with micro-observers independently verifying each round to ensure accuracy and transparency in the counting process.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections with robust monitoring and security arrangements.
TNT KS
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