Port Blair, May 24: A meeting was held under the Chairmanship of the Returning Officer, ANIPC, Shri Arjun Sharma in the conference hall of the District Office South Andaman to apprise the Candidates/ representatives of the Political Parties about the Counting Procedures, as per the laid down guidelines of the ECI, to be followed by the Office of the Returning Officer on the day of Counting of votes on June 4.

Initiating the meeting, the RO, at the outset, welcomed the Candidates and representatives of the Political Parties and enlightened them about the step by step Counting Procedures to be carried out at the JNRM Counting Centre, earmarked for Counting of Votes for the A&N Islands Parliamentary Constituency on June 4, 2024. The RO further said that the Strong Room will be opened in the presence of General Observer, Returning Officer and the Candidates and urged them to be present without fail. Entry of Counting Agents shall be regulated strictly by colour coded entry passes to be issued by the Office of the Returning Officer, ANIPC for both counting halls.

He said that the ‘Postal Ballot Papers’ and Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETBPS) will be counted first and thereafter the Counting of EVMs will be taken up at 8:30 am at JNRM on June 4, 2024 in two counting halls. Altogether, 28 counting tables will be set up and each Counting hall will have 14 tables. These tables will be manned by Counting Supervisor, Micro Observer, Counting Assistant and Counting Staff and Counting will be completed in approx 15 rounds. He said as per the instructions of the ECI, a separate designated Counting booth for VVPAT machines have been established inside the main Counting Hall wherein 5 VVPATS will be randomly selected through draw of lots for Counting.

He further informed that no mobile phones/calculators will be allowed inside the Counting Hall. The RO informed that adequate measures will be put in place for the dissemination of results on completion of every round of Counting. He said apart from social media platforms, the results will be announced through public address system at designated places and it will also be screened on LED monitors to be installed at Netaji Stadium.

Road diversions has also been proposed on the day of counting, barricades shall be put in place at Girls School Crossing, Govt. Press Junction and Near Girls Hostel, Machi Line. Acknowledging the co-operation of the Political Parties during the smooth conduct of Election in ANIPC, the RO urged for similar support/co- operation from all for the smooth conduct of counting of votes and maintaining the decorum inside the of Counting Hall at JNRM on June 4, 2024.