As the Chhattisgarh Assembly Election 2023 draws to a close, the ballot counting process is scheduled for December 3 after polling in two phases across 90 assembly constituencies. Ahead of this, comprehensive arrangements have been concluded in all 33 district headquarters.
Mrs. Reena Babasaheb Kangale, the Chief Electoral Officer, highlighted that 14 tables have been meticulously set up for each assembly constituency, ensuring oversight by designated observers in all counting centers. The counting process will commence at 8 am, commencing with the tallying of service voters’ ballots. Initially, the QR codes from votes received via the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) will be scanned, followed by the counting of postal ballots. Post 8:30 am, simultaneous counting on all tables will ensue. Among the 90 assembly seats, the maximum counting cycles – 30 – are anticipated in Kawardha, while Kasadol and Manendragarh/Bhilai Nagar will witness 29 and 12 cycles respectively.
During the stringent security-enforced vote counting process, unauthorized individuals will be strictly prohibited from entering the counting room without an authorization letter, Mrs. Kangale emphasized.
Notably, the political fate of 1181 candidates was sealed in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) on November 7th and 17th. The anticipated results will unfold with the vote counting scheduled for December 3rd. Candidates will be allowed to observe the counting process at any table, while candidates’ agents will have access only to specified tables. The entirety of the vote counting process will transpire under the watchful eyes of counting and general observers. Following each round, a random check of two control units will occur in the presence of the candidate or their agent, overseen by an observer. Furthermore, after completing all rounds, five Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) votes will be verified through a draw.
Post-voting, EVMs have been securely stored in strong rooms under a three-tier security cordon across all district headquarters. Complete recording of the vote counting procedure will be maintained. Throughout this period, apart from the observer and the returning officer, mobile phones are strictly prohibited within the counting room. Additionally, individuals are barred from carrying other electronic devices like iPads, recorders, or video cameras.
