AP all set for counting of votes from 8am today; results by noon likely

Arrangements were complete for the process covering 175 assembly and 25 parliamentary constituencies that went to polls in the state on May 13. The candidates for assembly polls number 2,387 and parliament polls 454.

There will be 401 counting halls in 33 locations across the state, where 2,446 tables were arranged for the counting of assembly poll votes polled through EVMs and 557 tables for the postal ballots.
Similarly, 2,443 tables were set up for counting of EVM votes for the parliament seats and 443 tables for the postal ballots.

Amalapuram LS is likely to have a maximum number of 27 rounds of counting, taking about 10 hours while Rajahmundry and Narasapuram would have 13 rounds of counting in five hours.

With regard to ACs, Bhimili and Panyam will have a maximum of 26 rounds of counting, taking nine to 10 hours, while Kovvur and Narasapuram would have 13 rounds in five hours.

As many as 111 assembly constituencies would have below 20 rounds of counting while 61 constituencies would have 21- 24 rounds. Three ACs would have 25 or more rounds of counting.

The entire counting process will have 360 degree CCTV coverage or videography inside the counting hall, security arrangements in and outside the counting centre, presence of candidates and their agents, process of randomisation of counting staff, tabulation at the Returning Officer’s table, declaration of result and handing over of Certificate of Return of Election to the elected candidates.

As AP witnessed unprecedented violence in the current round of polls, the Election Commission has initiated elaborate security to ensure smooth counting of votes.

Chief electoral officer Mukesh Meena told the media here on Monday that 67 companies of security personnel including central armed police forces, APSP and the entire force of the state police would provide the security cover in addition to promulgation of section 144 in and around the counting halls and strong rooms.

Nearly 1,985 sensitive locations are identified in AP and the local police were given a list of potential trouble mongers of rival parties, so as to keep a tab on them. Drones are also brought in to fly in sensitive areas to maintain vigil from the sky.

The cordon and search operations are done in trouble-prone villages or towns and over 150 cases were registered.

The election authorities seized cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals and freebies worth `483.15 crore from Jan 1 to June 2 while cVigil received 24,557 complaints. Some 95 per cent of these cases have been resolved.

Meena said, “I visited 10 districts and found the arrangements made at the strong rooms and counting centres are satisfactory. Security is very tight. I appeal to all stakeholders to ensure peace during the counting period. The results would be out from around noon.”