SHILLONG:
Meghalaya Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) FR Kharkongor, on May 12, informed that all arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth and hurdle-free counting for the adjourned bye election to the Sohiong Assembly Constituency at State Central Library in Shillong on May 13.
Voting to this constituency was held on May 10.
“The election machineries are all geared up for tomorrow. A detailed discussion was held with the district election machineries and inspection was conducted at the counting centre,” Kharkongor said, adding that counting will start at 8 am.
He further informed that there will be seven rounds of counting, with each round having 10 tables except for the last round where there will be only three tables. One round will be reserved for counting of VVPAT slips – which is the manual counting of the slips from five machines which will be picked up at random.
“This will, of course, involve a little bit more time; however, for EVM counting, all rounds are expected to be done promptly in the presence of officials, including election observers,” the CEO added.
In the counting hall, counting tables will be arranged, including a separate table for observers, he said, adding that, “Counting will commence with the counting of postal ballots; but since it is a single constituency, postal ballot will not be too large and we hope that by noon, we will be able to officially declare the result.”
Meanwhile, at the Secretariat, there will be provision for online monitoring of the counting process at the Main Conference Hall.
In terms of security arrangement, Kharkongor informed that the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), who are currently guarding the two strong rooms at the Arts and Culture Hall in State Central Library, will guard the inner-most area. The second tier will be the state police force and the unarmed police will guard the outer-most area.
“This is the first time since the advent of the EVM (Electronic Voting Machine) that counting will be done at the State Central Library. Yes, supporters will be not be allowed to enter the library’s campus. They are allowed to stand outside. As per the office of District Electoral Officer, weekly procession will be banned till 4 pm,” he informed.
Furthermore, he hoped that the counting process will be carried out smoothly.
Sohiong witnessed a high margin of voting with 91. 92 per cent turnout.