AP Chief Electoral Officer Reviews Vote Counting Preparations

Tags: Andhra Pradesh Elections, Vote Counting, Chief Electoral Officer, EVM, Postal Ballots, Election Security, 2024 Elections
Tags: Andhra Pradesh Elections, Vote Counting, Chief Electoral Officer, EVM, Postal Ballots, Election Security, 2024 Elections

Vijayawada: Mukesh Kumar Meena, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the State, has urged officials to remain highly vigilant during the vote counting on June 4, 2024. He emphasized the importance of preventing any potential violence and called for strict measures to ensure a peaceful process.

During a video conference, Meena reviewed the district-wise preparations for the upcoming vote count. He noted that the intense competition could heighten emotions and underscored the critical need for maintaining peace and security.

“Officials should prevent any emotional disturbances that could affect the vote counting process,” he stated. He added that any troublemakers at counting centers should be immediately removed and face strict legal actions. Meena issued clear instructions that every Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) must be sealed and secured immediately after the counting is completed. “This task should not be postponed to the following day,” he cautioned.

He insisted on accuracy in filling out index cards, with the submission deadline set for June 8. Discussing protocols for counting agents, Meena stated that each counting table could have an agent if no candidate is present at the RO table. He noted that agents are only allowed to bring Form-17C, a pen or pencil, and strain paper, with all other items prohibited.

Journalists with proper authorization letters are allowed in the media center and can use cell phones there, but cell phones are not permitted inside the counting centers.