Vote Counting In India

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:

1. Counting of Votes
2. Postal Ballots and EVM Votes
3. VVPAT and Recounting
4. 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