Context:
Over the past six weeks, 642 million voters have participated in the world’s largest democratic exercise. Now, it’s their turn to be heard through the counting of votes.
Relevance:
GS II: Polity and Governance
Dimensions of the Article:
- Counting of Votes
- Postal Ballots and EVM Votes
- VVPAT and Recounting
- Result Declaration
Counting of Votes
Handbook and Governance
- Handbook Issued by EC: Guides Returning Officers (ROs) and counting agents on the counting process, highlighting design, operations, and objection protocols.
- Rule 66A Governance: The counting process follows Rule 66A of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, as amended in 1992.
Responsibilities and Procedures
RO Responsibilities:
- Typically, the District Magistrate is appointed by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
- Must inform candidates or their agents of the counting schedule and location at least one week before polling.
- Assistant Returning Officers assist where the RO oversees multiple constituencies.
- Counting officials appointed by the RO conduct the vote counting at various tables.
Appointment of Time and Place:
- Rule 51 Requirement: RO must appoint the time and place for vote counting at least one week before the poll.
- The ECI sets a uniform date and time for counting, usually at the RO’s headquarters but possibly outside the constituency.
- Votes for an Assembly constituency are counted at a single location with each constituency in a separate hall with up to 14 counting tables plus the RO’s table.
Counting Process
- Scheduled Start: The RO must begin counting strictly at the scheduled time, with the entire process documented in-camera and timestamped.
- EVM Strong Room Procedures:
- The room must be opened in the presence of observers, ROs/AROs, and candidates or their agents.
- Continuous CCTV coverage documents the movement of control units, VVPATs, and relevant documents.
- Counting staff and others must remain at the Counting Centre until official results are announced.
Postal Ballots and EVM Votes
Postal Ballot Counting:
- Rule 54A mandates starting with postal ballots.
- EVM vote counting starts 30 minutes after postal ballots.
- VVPAT slips are matched with EVM results post counting.
EVM Counting Procedures:
- Organized on tables arranged in rows and numbered sequentially.
- Control Unit of each EVM determines poll results for each station.
- Ballot Units remain in a secure strong room.
- Candidate-wise results from each control unit are recorded in Form 17C part II, signed by the counting supervisor and candidates/polling agents, and countersigned by the RO before preparing the Final Result Sheet in Form 20.
VVPAT and Recounting
VVPAT Counting:
- Begins only after all votes from Control Units are counted.
- Conducted under close supervision in the VVPAT Counting Booth with observers and candidates or their agents present.
Recounting:
- Usually unnecessary due to the validity of each vote recorded by machines.
- Rule 63 provisions for recount still apply if required.
Result Declaration
- Authorization: RO must obtain authorization from the Observer to declare results.
- NOC Requirement: RO should seek NOC on Form 20 from the Commission, Observer, and the leading candidate before public announcement.
-Source: The Hindu
