Counting of votes begins for assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry with strict covid-19 protocols

Counting of votes has begun for assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Counting began at 8 this morning. Assembly elections in these states and union territory were held from March 27 to April 29. Counting of votes for bypolls to four Lok Sabha and 12 Assembly seats in different states is also underway.

Trends and results will be available on the Election Commission website and will be updated every few minutes to display the current round wise trends and results of each constituency. The trends and results will also be accessible through the “Voter helpline” Mobile App.

In view of second wave of pandemic and with a view to ensure a completely COVID safe arrangements during counting, the Election Commission has rolled out strict COVID protocols for the counting day. The District Election Officer has been appointed as the Nodal Officer at each Counting Centre to ensure adherence to the COVID-19 related norms at the centre. Local Health Authorities have also been mandated to issue compliance certificate in respect of the Counting Centres.

As per the safety measures, no candidates or poll agents is being allowed inside the counting hall without undergoing RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen Test. However, those who have been administered both the doses of COVID vaccination have been allowed. The Commission has also prohibited public gathering outside the counting venue during the process of counting.

At the entry of hall, room and premises, Thermal Scanning of all persons are being carried out and sanitizer, soap and water have been made available.

No one having any symptom of COVID-19 like fever, cold are allowed to enter in the Counting Hall. Candidate will be allowed to appoint/replace the Counting Agents in case report is positive. Social distancing will be maintained inside Counting Hall. Seating arrangement of counting personnel and agents etc will be made as per COVID-19 guidelines of NDMA and SDMA. There will be sufficient number of PPE Kit for Counting Agents and Candidates. Masks, Sanitizer, Face-Shields and Gloves are being provided to every counting official and security personnel.

The Election Commission has already banned all victory processions on or after the day of counting. Not more than two people will be allowed to accompany the winning candidates to receive the certificate of election from the concerned Returning Officer.