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TFP Bureau, Raipur, November 21, 2024: The counting of votes for the Raipur Nagar South Assembly by-election will take place on Saturday, November 23, at the Government Engineering College, Sezabahar. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Mrs. Reena Babasaheb Kangale confirmed that the counting will begin at 8 a.m., starting with postal ballots, followed by the counting of votes from Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at 8:30 a.m.
The CEO outlined that the counting hall, located in Block-E of the college, has been arranged with 14 tables for EVM vote counting, which will be conducted in 19 rounds. An additional table has been allocated for postal ballot counting. A dedicated team, including a counting supervisor, counting assistant, and micro observer, will oversee the process at each table.
To ensure accuracy, a data compilation and uploading section has been set up within the counting hall by the Returning Officer. Candidates or their counting agents will be allowed to observe the proceedings from designated seats outside the secure counting area.
Strict Security and Guidelines Enforced
Unauthorized individuals are prohibited from entering the counting hall, and the Returning Officer has full authority to ask anyone to leave the premises if necessary. Electronic items, including mobile phones, laptops, smartwatches, cameras, and tobacco products, are banned from the hall. Counting agents may only bring specific materials, such as blank paper, a copy of the ballot paper account (Format 17C Part-1), and a list of EVMs/VVPATs provided by the Returning Officer. Analog calculators have been arranged on each table for tallying results.
The venue will be secured with a three-tier security system, and thorough identity verification will be mandatory for all individuals entering the premises. Security personnel will perform rigorous checks at every level to maintain order and transparency.
Real-Time Updates and Verification Provisions
Counting progress will be updated in real time on the Election Commission of India’s Encore Counting Application, accessible to the public through [results.eci.gov.in](https://results.eci.gov.in).
Candidates who finish in the second or third position can apply for a verification of up to 5% of the EVMs (including Ballot Units, Control Units, and VVPATs) within seven days of the results. A fee of ₹40,000 plus 18% GST will be charged per EVM set for this process.
The Raipur Nagar South by-election has garnered significant public interest, with all eyes on the upcoming results and the electoral process being conducted under stringent regulations to ensure fairness and accuracy.
