Nilambur bypoll: arrangements in place for counting of votes on June 23
The strong room where the electronic voting machines are kept will be opened at 7.30 a.m. in the presence of the candidates' agents. The counting of votes will begin at 8 a.m., Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Rathan U. Kelkar said here on Friday.
19 rounds
In all, 19 rounds of counting will be held across 14 tables. Five tables have been set up for counting the postal ballots, including the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System, which will be counted first. The electronic votes will be counted next.
The votes will be counted in the presence of the Observer appointed by the Election Commission and the candidates or their agents. Micro observers and Assistant Returning Officers have been appointed to monitor the counting of votes.
75.27% turnout
The number of voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) slips in five selected booths will be compared with the votes in the EVMs there to ensure accuracy. As per the latest update from the CEO's office, Nilambur saw a voter turnout of 75.27%.
The EVMs used in the byelection are stored in a strong room at the Chungathara Marthoma Higher Secondary School under tight security.
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