Poonch : Ahead of the scheduled counting day for the Assembly elections, District Election Officer (DEO) Poonch, Vikas Kundal, convened a high-level meeting with district election authorities to review the final preparations. The meeting focused on ensuring a smooth and transparent counting process for the three assembly constituencies—Surankote, Haveli, and Mendhar—where polling was held on September 25. The vote count is set to take place at Dina Nath Rafiq Memorial Model Higher Secondary School (Girls), Poonch, on October 8.
During the meeting, the DEO was briefed by Deputy DEO Saleem Ahmed and senior election officials on the readiness of the counting centers. Discussions centered on staff deployment, security arrangements, and logistical support to ensure the counting process is conducted without any hindrances. Special emphasis was placed on maintaining strict security protocols and ensuring the timely reporting of results.
Speaking on the occasion, DEO Vikas Kundal stressed the importance of a seamless process for the counting day. He said that the district administration is fully prepared to carry out the vote counting in an efficient and transparent manner. All necessary arrangements, including the deployment of security personnel and technical staff, are in place to ensure accuracy and integrity,” he stated.
Additionally, Vikas Kundal issued specific instructions to ensure uninterrupted power supply, proper seating arrangements for counting agents and other officials, and real-time reporting of vote counts.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Tahir Mustafa Malik along with senior officers from concerned departments were present during the meeting.
DEO Kathua ensures transparency with 24/7 CCTV Monitoring and Control Room
Kathua : In a demonstration of best electoral practices, the District Election Office Kathua has implemented robust measures to ensure transparency and accountability in the post-poll process for all six Assembly segments in the district. The Government Degree College (Boys) Kathua, designated as the Counting Centre, is now a model of transparency with the provision of live CCTV surveillance monitoring all strong rooms where Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are securely stored following the polling on October 1st.
To further uphold these standards, the District Election Office has set up a dedicated, 24/7 Control Room inside the college. This facility, accessible to election agents and authorized representatives of contesting candidates, provides live feeds from the CCTV cameras installed in the strong rooms.
In addition to real-time monitoring, election agents and candidates are permitted regular visits to the strong rooms, ensuring concerns are addressed promptly and minimizing any apprehensions.
For the convenience of those involved, the Control Room has been equipped with necessary amenities, including fans, drinking water, and Wi-Fi. Duty magistrates are present round-the-clock to ensure that all protocols are strictly followed and to resolve any issues immediately, thereby reinforcing the integrity of the electoral process.
DEO Udhampur reviews counting arrangements
Udhampur : District Election Officer Udhampur, Saloni Rai, on Friday convened a meeting to review the arrangements for the upcoming vote counting scheduled on October 8 for the Assembly Elections 2024.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Prem Singh, Probationer Swati Sheemar, Additional Superintendent of Police Sandeep Bhat, all Returning Officers and senior officers of the district administration were present in the meeting.
A detailed discussion was held on various aspects of the counting process. These included ensuring uninterrupted power supply, seating arrangements for counting agents, maintaining the secrecy of the ballots, provision of adequate drinking water and upholding discipline and decorum at the counting center, law and order, security arrangements, counting of postal ballots, videography/CCTV during the counting process and arrangements for pre-counting of the ETPBS and VVPAT slip counting were also thoroughly reviewed.
DEO emphasized the need for strict compliance with the guidelines set forth by the Election Commission of India to ensure a transparent and smooth counting process. She highlighted the importance of establishing separate entry points for candidates and counting staff to prevent confusion or overcrowding at the center.
A dedicated room equipped with communication facilities will be arranged for General Observers, aiding them in carrying out their responsibilities efficiently. Additionally, an LCD screen will be installed to provide real-time election results during the counting process.
The DEO further directed that law and order be strictly monitored throughout the counting period to avert any potential incidents. To enhance security and regulate the movement of people, a pedestrian zone will be established within 100 meters of the counting center. The DEO also mandated a three-tier security arrangement around the counting centers, which will include barricading of access routes and strict entry protocols to ensure the safety and integrity of the proceedings.
RO Samba AC convenes meeting with candidates, Issues notice regarding appointment of counting agents
Samba : The Returning Officer for AC 70-Samba, Kusum Chib issued an important notice to all candidates concerning the appointment of counting agents and the procedures to be adhered to during the upcoming vote counting on 8th October 2024.
The notice emphasizes the critical steps for appointing counting agents who will oversee the counting of votes through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs), and postal ballots. Candidates are reminded that they may appoint a maximum of 22 counting agents. The appointments must be made using Form 18, duly signed by either the candidate or their election agent, and must be submitted no later than 5:00 PM on 4th October 2024. Informal requests for agent appointments will not be entertained.
In a meeting held Friday, Chib briefed all candidates regarding the notice, clarifying that on the day of counting, agents will be required to present their photo ID cards, issued by the Returning Officer, along with the second copy of Form 18 to gain access to the counting hall. Election agents must also carry their appointment letters.
Additionally, the Returning Officer highlighted that the appointment of counting agents can be revoked before the commencement of counting by submitting Form 19, and new agents can be appointed thereafter using Form 18.
Returning Officer urged all candidates to follow the outlined procedures meticulously to ensure a smooth and transparent counting process.
Training Prog for counting Supervisors, Assistants, Micro Observers held at Udhampur
Udhampur : A one day training program for Counting Supervisors, Assistants & Micro Observers under the supervision of District Election Officer Saloni Rai held here at Conference Hall DC Office Complex Udhampur.
The training session focused on equipping the staff with detailed knowledge regarding the procedures to be followed during the counting of votes, particularly for Postal Ballots.
Special emphasis was laid on the validation and scrutiny process of Postal Ballots, including the grounds for their rejection. The session addressed doubts and clarified key aspects of the counting procedures.
The participants were urged to adhere to a transparent, diligent, and unbiased approach during the counting process, ensuring that every legitimate vote is accounted for.
The Returning Officers also briefed the participants on their roles and responsibilities, ensuring that they are well-prepared to carry out the task in a smooth and efficient manner.
Later, training session for counting of votes in EVMs of Migrant voters also held.
