Countdown to Results: Assembly Elections in Jammu & Kashmir and Haryana

The moment we’ve all been waiting for is here! Vote counting for the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana has started at 7:30 am on Tuesday.

Election Overview

First, let’s look at the elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Voters cast their ballots for 90 constituencies in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1. Meanwhile, polling for the 90 seats in the Haryana Assembly concluded on October 5.

Officials will start counting at 8 am. They will first tally the postal ballots, followed by the counting of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) after a 30-minute interval.

Counting Centers and Security Measures

Haryana’s Chief Electoral Officer, Pankaj Agarwal, recently announced that officials established 93 counting centers across 22 districts for the 90 assembly constituencies.

Notably, two counting centers will serve the Badshahpur, Gurugram, and Pataudi constituencies, while the remaining 87 constituencies will each have one center. To promote transparency, the Election Commission appointed 90 counting observers.

Moreover, extensive security measures are now in place. Specifically, 30 companies from the Central Armed Police Forces have deployed personnel across the counting centers. Each center enjoys a three-tier security system: central security forces in the innermost layer, state-armed police in the middle, and district police forming the outermost layer.

Approximately 12,000 police personnel will actively patrol statewide. Additionally, officials have established checkpoints within a 100-meter radius of each counting center. They also installed CCTV cameras in all 90 strong rooms where the EVMs are stored. These measures aim to prevent unauthorized access and ensure the integrity of the counting process.

Preparations in Jammu and Kashmir

Now, let’s shift our focus to Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Electoral Officer PK Pole announced that officials have installed CCTVs in each counting hall for record-keeping. Counting will begin at 7:30 am for postal ballots and at 8 am for EVMs.

Pole emphasized that “the polls were conducted peacefully, and we witnessed violence-free public participation.” As a result, all arrangements are ready for the counting process.

Additionally, counting for territorial polling stations will occur at 25 locations, while officials will tally migrant polling stations at 3 locations. Candidates have provided details about their counting agents, and EVMs enjoy triple-layer protection to guarantee their safety.

Media and Communication

To keep the press updated, officials have established media centers at counting locations. However, entry into counting centers is strictly limited to authorized personnel only.

Furthermore, authorities will closely monitor social media to prevent the spread of rumors related to the counting process.

As we approach this pivotal moment in the electoral process, all eyes will be on the counting centers. Stay tuned for updates!