Everyone’s eyes are on the results of Bihar assembly elections. Who will be in power in the state for the next five years will be known on Friday (November 14). A historic turnout of 67.13 percent was recorded in the elections held in two phases on November 6 and 11 for the 243-member Assembly in Bihar. For counting of elections, tight security arrangements have been made at 46 centers located in 38 districts of Bihar.
Counting arrangements completed
Election Commission officials said that in view of the counting of votes, all the schools of Patna will remain closed on Friday. The Election Commission said in a statement, “Complete arrangements for counting of votes have been made in 243 assembly constituencies. The counting of votes will be conducted under the supervision of 243 returning officers, in the presence of 243 observers deployed with them and in the presence of the candidates and their agents.”
More than 18000 agents will monitor
He further said, “A total of 4,372 counting tables have been installed, each manned by a supervisor, a counting assistant and a micro observer. More than 18,000 counting agents appointed by the candidates will also monitor the process.”
Counting of votes will start at 8 am on Friday. The statement said that as per the instructions of the Election Commission, the counting of postal ballots will start first, while the counting of EVMs will start at 8.30 am.
Duty of 106 companies of CRPF
“Adequate personnel of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Bihar Police have been deployed across the state so that the counting of votes can be conducted peacefully and any untoward incident can be prevented,” a senior official said. He said that 106 companies sent from outside the state have also been deployed for security duty.
VVPAT sealed in strong room
An election official said that the EVMs and VVPATs used in voting have been sealed and kept safe in a strong room with double lock system. He said, “Two-tier security has been ensured at the counting centres. The inner perimeter security is entrusted to the CAPFs, while the outer perimeter security is the responsibility of the state police. Apart from this, 24×7 surveillance through CCTV cameras and other security measures have also been implemented.”
