Decoding the Counting Day Procedures in India’s 2024 Elections
On June 4th, India will count votes for the 2024 General Elections. This process, overseen by the Election Commission of India (ECI), involves several key steps and procedures to ensure accuracy and transparency.
Counting Agents and Hall Layout
Counting agents, appointed by the candidates, monitor the counting process. The counting hall is laid out with barricades and wire mesh to prevent physical access to the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), but agents can scrutinize the proceedings.
Counting Process
Counting begins with postal ballots, followed by EVM votes. The Control Units of the EVMs are brought to the counting hall, and the votes are tallied. The results from 14 EVMs are declared at the end of each round, reflected in news reports as “leads.” Once EVM counting is complete, Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPAT) slips are tallied to verify the results.
Discrepancy Resolution
In case of discrepancies between the EVM count and the VVPAT slips, the printed paper slips take precedence, as per the ECI’s rules. A candidate or counting agent may request a recount, but the decision lies with the Returning Officer.
Security and Transparency
To ensure transparency, the counting process is conducted under high security with video surveillance and deployment of security forces. Political parties and activists are advised to monitor the process closely and report any irregularities.
Concerns and Countermeasures
Some opposition parties and civil society groups have expressed concerns about the ECI’s transparency and commitment to free and fair elections. To address these concerns, the ECI has implemented measures like uploading polling station-wise voter turnout data and verifying a larger number of VVPAT slips.
Overall, the counting day procedures in India’s 2024 elections are designed to ensure the integrity and accuracy of the results. By following strict protocols and incorporating safeguards, the ECI aims to maintain the trust and confidence of the electorate in the democratic process.
