Civic polls: Counting of votes today, tight security across Haryana

Chandigarh: Elaborate security arrangements have been made for counting of votes for the seven municipal bodies, which will be held on Wednesday. A total of 478,068 votes were polled on Sunday. During counting, the fate of 777 candidates, including 28 candidates for the posts of mayors for Ambala, Sonipat and Panchkula, will be decided. Devender Kalyan, the state election commission, said that directions have been issued to the concerned district election officers and returning officers to ensure that the counting process is conducted in a fair, transparent, peaceful and orderly manner. "The counting will begin at 8 am. The process will be conducted as per the prescribed rules and guidelines, and every stage will be monitored by the concerned officer to maintain transparency and credibility," he said. "Only authorised persons will be allowed entry at the counting venues. CCTV surveillance, barricading, deployment of adequate police force and all basic facilities have been ensured at the centres. Special police security will be provided while transporting the EVMs from the strong rooms to the counting centres and again after the counting process to ensure their safe movement. Strict monitoring of antisocial and undesirable elements has also been directed," said a senior officer. The officer added that special checking drives will be conducted around the counting centres to prevent any law and order issue. MSID: 131038930 413 |