Rigorous Procedures Ensure Transparent Counting in Kerala Assembly Elections

The Kerala Assembly election votes will be counted on May 4, following strict guidelines issued by the Election Commission. Procedures include using EVM and VVPAT systems for transparency, counting in 140 centers across the state, and detailed regulations for political agents, officials, and media to ensure a fair counting process.

The Election Commission announced the completion of all procedures for tallying votes in the Kerala Assembly elections, with counting scheduled for May 4. Stringent guidelines have been set for political agents and media personnel to ensure a fair and transparent process, said Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar.

Counting will begin at 8 am across 140 centers at 43 locations, involving over 15,465 personnel, including Returning Officers, micro observers, and counting assistants. The count will start with postal ballots, and up to 14 booths will be tallied in one round. Measures like VVPAT slip tallying aim to address discrepancies.

To maintain order at the counting centers, political party representatives must follow specific protocols, such as carrying official identification and not tampering with EVMs. Media restrictions include limited access, specific equipment use, and a focus on maintaining the security and confidentiality of the counting process.