WHAT HAPPENS AT POLLING STATIONS

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Picture Courtesy: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/lok-sabha-election-results-counting-centres-9369971/

Context: The 2024 Lok Sabha vote counting supervised by the Returning Officer (RO), involves counting officials, EVMs, postal ballots, and VVPAT tallying.

Details

• The process of counting votes for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is meticulously organised and supervised to ensure accuracy and transparency.

Who is in Charge?

• Returning Officer (RO): The RO, generally the District Magistrate, oversees the counting. They are appointed by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
• Assistant Returning Officers (AROs): These officials assist the RO, especially in constituencies with multiple segments.
• Counting Officials: Counting supervisors (usually gazetted officers), counting assistants, and Group D employees are appointed to count votes. Micro observers ensure the sanctity of the process.

Who is Allowed Inside?

• Permitted Individuals: Counting supervisors, assistants, micro-observers, ECI-authorized persons, public servants on election duty, candidates, election agents, and counting agents are allowed in the counting hall.
• Prohibited Individuals: Police officers, government ministers, and anyone carrying a mobile phone (except the ECI Observer) are not allowed inside.

Counting Locations

• Determination of Location: The RO designates the counting place at least one week before the poll date. This is typically at the RO's headquarters within the constituency but can be outside if necessary.
• Separate Counting Halls: Each Assembly constituency or segment is counted in separate halls, with a maximum of 14 counting tables per hall, in addition to the RO’s table.

Counting Process

• Postal Ballot Counting: This begins first at the RO's table.
• EVM Counting: Starts 30 minutes after postal ballots. EVMs are taken from a secure Strong Room in the presence of the Observer, RO/ARO, and candidates or their agents.
• EVM Procedure: The Control Unit (CU) of each EVM is used to display results, which are recorded in Form 17C. The results are announced for each round after verification.

The process includes videography, logbooks, and secure handling of EVMs and VVPATs to ensure transparency.

Announcement of Results

• Round-wise Announcements: After each round, the RO announces the results and signs the records.
• VVPAT Verification: After EVM counting, VVPAT slips are verified. This sequential process takes about an hour per machine.

Source:

Indian Express

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Some argue that frequent elections can lead to short-term policymaking and a focus on winning the next election rather than long-term planning. How can the need for regular elections be balanced with the ability to implement long-term policies in a democracy?