Nizamabad: Suspense continues on the counting of votes in Nizamabad Lok Sabha constituency as the highest number of candidates contested in the April 11 polling. District election authorities have not yet received any official communiqué over arrangements for counting.
For the first time in the country, M3 version electronic voting machines (EVMs) were used for polling as 185 candidates were in the fray. It is believed that around 36 hours will be needed for final counting of Nizamabad Lok Sabha constituency, if officials adopt the usual procedure of counting.
Usually, election officials set up 14 to 36 tables for counting, based on polling stations in each Assembly constituency. The entire counting process is completed within 8-10 rounds of counting based on polling stations and voter turnout. In view of the high number of candidates in the fray in Nizamabad, the counting process will take a long time.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, district revenue officer R. Anjaiah said they are ready to take up counting of votes on May 23.
“We are waiting for suggestions from the Election Commission of India in Nizamabad Lok Sabha constituency,” he said. In each round of counting, votes details of all candidates will be entered in the registers, he added. It is a herculean task for counting personnel to verify and observe 185 candidates in Nizamabad, he said.
Each table consists of two persons and details of votes will be noted during counting. In normal conditions, the display of votes and entry in registers is conducted within a short time.
In view of the large number of candidates, the counting will take more time. Based on directives from the Election Commission, district officials will set up more tables and engage counting personnel to complete the process at the earliest.
