Counting of votes tomorrow, admn finalises arrangements

Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 21

The state administration today finalised the arrangements for counting of votes to be held on all 87 Assembly seats in 22 districts of the state on December 23.

The election authorities at district level interacted with political candidates and their representatives, requesting them to adhere to the guidelines of the Election Commission of India on the counting day.

For the smooth conduct of the counting of votes of three Assembly constituencies in Udhampur district, Udhampur District Election Officer Yasha Mudgal interacted with political party candidates and their representatives.

The General Observer, Senior Superintendent of Police, Returning Officers of three seats, Assistant Commissioner Revenue and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.

The DEO thanked all political party representatives for maintaining peace and cooperation for the smooth conduct of polling. She appealed to maintain such peaceful atmosphere during the counting day also. She said the counting would be held at Government Degree College (Boys), Udhampur, for all three constituencies from 8 am.

She urged all representatives of political parties for their cooperation to maintain law and order before and after the counting of votes. She also shared necessary guidelines of the ECI for the successful conduct of the counting of votes.

Later, the DEO interacted with mediapersons of the district and passed necessary instructions to them for making coverage as per the ECI guidelines during the counting day.

In Ramban district, District Magistrate Farooq Ahmad Shah imposed Section 144 of the CrPC, restricting the movement and assembling of general public beyond Maitra Chowk up to District Administration Complex from 7 am till the completion of counting process and announcement of results.

This order will not apply to counting staff, static observers, contesting candidates and their counting agents besides staff of the SSP and the Deputy Commissioner offices.

In other districts of the state, the election authorities also discussed the arrangements for the smooth and hassle-free counting of votes.