Vote counting process to be transparent
Bhopal: Date for counting of votes for Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha election is drawing closer. A transparent, impartial and independent policy has been framed for simultaneous counting of votes of all 230 Vidhan Sabha constituencies. Better and foolproof arrangements are being made in all districts to prevent any error by government machinery which might lead to some accusations.
Random selection of staff will be made for counting of votes to ensure impartiality in the task. Due to randomisation, no employee will be able to know till last time as to which table will be assigned to him.
The commission has also clarified about appointment of counting staff by district election officers/ROs through randomisation. From 120 percent (including reserve), employees likely to be selected for counting will be randomly selected through computer a week before counting. It will be the first phase of 3-phase randomisation in which presence of observer will be compulsory. This process will apply to selection of only to the staff to be selected as counting supervisors/counting assistants and micro observers. At this stage, identity of Vidhan Sabha constituency for which staff is to be selected will be kept secret.
Vidhan Sabha-wise randomisation will be done by district election officers in the presence of observers 24 hours before counting. Following this, appointment letters for concerning constituencies will be issued to returning officers. The returning officers will randomly select tables for counting supervisors/ counting assistants and micro observers in the presence of observers at 5 am on the day of counting. The commission has directed strict enforcement and compliance of instructions regarding randomisation.
