Now, MPs, MLAs can enter counting area without security

JAIPUR: Changing its decision not to allow public representatives in counting centres on May 16, the Election Commission has now decided to allow their presence with certain riders. It will allow sitting MPs and MLAs to enter counting area if they willingly surrender their security. Along with it, the EC also laid the criteria for selection of counting officials on May 16.

In a clarification to all returning officers, the EC said that a contesting candidate, if he is a sitting MP or MLA, will be allowed to enter the premises. It also allowed the candidates to appoint MP/MLA or councilors and sarpanchs as their counting agents. Earlier, EC restricted their movement on account of security parameters.

However, these public representatives will have to give an undertaking for willingly surrendering their security. The exception will for SPG-guarded public figures. "The contesting candidate (whether he is a sitting MP/MLA) has a right to be present in the counting hall. They shall be permitted with a stipulation that security persons with arms should not get into counting area," said the note of the commission.

The returning officers (RO) have also been instructed to depute counting officials after following three rounds of random selections. The criterion for counting supervisors is that they should be gazetted officers of the Union or state government or officers of comparable status from Union/state government undertakings. The counting assistants also should be selected carefully of good competence/skill.

There is restriction on appointing counting staff of anyone who has been employed by or on behalf of, or has otherwise been working for a candidate in an election. Similarly, there is complete ban on the staff of local bodies to be used for counting of votes.

In first randomization, a list of 120% of the required number of officials (Counting Supervisors/Counting Assistants/Micro Observers) required for counting in the district, should be generated (including reserve) randomly, using the software by the RO one week prior to the date of counting.

In second round, assembly constituency wise randomization will be conducted. The district election officer in the presence of an observer, 24 hours prior to commencement of counting, would select the officials. Thereafter, the RO shall issue the appointment letters to these officials intimating them about the concerned allotted ACs.The third and final round of selection will be done at 5 am on the day of counting. In this round, the selection official will be allotted the counting tables in hall. This third randomization can be carried out either manually or by using a computer.