5 days to results; Final preparations for vote counting underway

Thiruvananthapuram: With just 5 days left for the results, the Election Commission has entered the final phase of preparations for vote counting. The last round of training for officials will be completed soon.

Counting will take place on May 4. Postal ballots will be counted first, followed by votes recorded in EVMs. The number of EVMs will determine how many counting tables are arranged. Each hall will have between 7 and 14 tables. Political parties can appoint counting agents to monitor the process from designated areas near each table and the barricades. Similar arrangements will be available near the tables counting postal and service votes.

Votes from EVMs at all tables will be counted simultaneously. Each counting hall will be overseen by an Assistant Returning Officer, supported by counting supervisors and assistants to aid the Returning Officer. Postal ballots received after the scheduled start of counting will not be opened; they will be rejected, sealed, and kept separately. The Returning Officer has the authority to reject ballot papers for reasons such as absence of declaration or lack of proper attestation.

Training is currently underway for Assistant Returning Officers, micro-observers, counting supervisors, and assistants in each constituency, and is expected to be completed by Friday.