TFP Bureau, Raipur; Dec 2, 2023: In a press conference held by the Chief Electoral Officer today, key details and security arrangements for the upcoming Assembly Elections 2023 were outlined, emphasizing a robust framework to uphold the integrity of the counting process. The conference addressed crucial aspects of the counting day scheduled for December 3, 2023, starting at 8 am across all 90 assembly constituencies.
The following highlights were shared during the press briefing:
- Appointment of 90 returning officers, 416 assistant returning officers, 4596 enumerators, and 1698 micro-observers for the counting of votes.
- Deployment of 90 counting observers appointed by the Election Commission of India for each assembly constituency.
- Introduction of 14 tables with 7 each for counting of votes in every hall, along with an additional table for counting postal ballots.
- Implementation of a three-tier security setup at counting centers to ensure controlled access and prevent unauthorized entry.
- Issuance of identity cards to candidates, counting agents, and electoral agents, with a request for everyone to enter the counting hall by 7 am.
- Strict prohibition of mobile phones within the counting hall, with designated areas for their use in the media and communication centers.
- Marking of specific entry points, pedestrian zones, and vehicle restrictions to maintain order and security.
- Limited access for media groups, with a designated media center at each counting center for observation.
- Detailed criteria for individuals allowed inside the counting hall, including election officials, candidates, authorized observers, and public servants on duty.
- Strict adherence to the order of meeting arrangements for counting agents based on the instructions of the Election Commission.
- Videography of the entire counting and tabulation process to ensure transparency.
- Prohibition of electronic devices, gutkha, and cigarettes inside the counting hall.
- Mandatory submission of Part-I of Form 17C by every counting agent, provided by the Presiding Officer on the polling day.
The Chief Electoral Officer emphasized the comprehensive security and procedural measures in place to guarantee a fair and transparent counting process for the Assembly Elections-2023.
