Lok Sabha Election Results: Counting Of Votes Begins With Postal Ballots, Know Key Aspects Of Process
Lok Sabha Election Results: Vote counting commenced with postal ballots counted first, followed by EVM votes. The results will determine the fate of Narendra Modi's bid for a third term.
Lok Sabha Election Results: The counting of votes for the highly anticipated Lok Sabha elections commenced on Tuesday. As stipulated by the Conduct of Election Rules, the process began with the counting of postal ballots, followed by votes recorded in electronic voting machines (EVMs) after a half-hour interval. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar reaffirmed the procedural adherence during a press conference on Monday, emphasising the clarity of the rules. "Rules clearly state (Rule 54A) that postal ballot count will start first. On all centres in the country, it will start first, no doubt about it," Kumar stated.
The Election Commission's statement followed a meeting with opposition party representatives on Sunday, who had insisted that the counting of postal ballots should precede and their results be announced first.
Kumar elaborated on the procedural consistency, "So, there are three countings which are happening simultaneously—it happened in the 2019 elections, it happened in all the assembly polls held thereafter. It happened yesterday also in the case of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim assembly vote counts. We can't change anything mid-course. Why can't we change? Because it is compliant with the rules."
The steps of the counting process involve the counting of VVPAT (Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail) slips from five randomly selected polling stations per assembly constituency would follow the EVM count for enhanced transparency. " In majority of the booths, the number of postal ballot is less. It will automatically end first," CEC Kumar said.
"Since 2019, VVPAT slips from five randomly selected polling stations per assembly constituency (or segment in cases of Lok Sabha seats) are matched with the EVM count for greater transparency," he noted.
Lok Sabha Election Results: Important Aspects Of Counting Process
The following are some important aspects of the counting process:
- Rule 54A of the Conduct of Elections Rules 1961 mandates that the counting of postal ballots shall commence first at the Returning Officer's (RO) table.
- Only postal ballots received by the RO before the start of counting will be considered.
- EVM vote counting begins 30 minutes after the postal ballot counting starts, or immediately if no postal ballots are present.
- Only the Control Unit (CU) of the EVM used in the polling station is required, along with Form 17C.
- Counting officials ensure the paper seal on CUs is intact and that total votes tally with Form 17C.
- Result Documentation: The CU result is noted in Part II of Form 17C, witnessed by the counting supervisor, micro observer, and candidates' agents.
- VVPAT Slips: Counted only if CU results are non-displayable or post EVM vote count completion. Verification of VVPAT slips for five random polling stations per constituency is mandatory.
- If the margin of victory is less than the number of rejected postal ballots, those ballots must be re-verified before declaring the result.
- If candidates tie, the result is determined by a draw of lots.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is vying for a record-equalling third consecutive term. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is perceived to be in a strong position, though the opposition I.N.D.I.A. bloc harbours hopes for a surprising upset. The results will determine whether the Congress can pose a substantial challenge to the BJP, reversing its declining presence since 2014.
Congress leaders, including President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, have voiced confidence in securing 295 seats, asserting this would signify the end of the Modi era.
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