Chirala Municipality Vote Counting Deferred to Nov. 6
SEC postpones counting due to Cyclone Murasu, citing safety risks, flooding and possible damage to ballot boxes and election documents.
The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) has postponed the counting of votes and declaration of results for Chirala municipality in Bapatla district to November 6 from 8 am, citing adverse weather conditions caused by severe cyclonic storm Murasu.
The Bapatla district collector and district election authority had sought the postponement after heavy rainfall and high-velocity winds disrupted preparations. Though counting was rescheduled from 8 am to 11.30 am on November 3, continued heavy rain and gusty winds caused inconvenience to voters and the public and threatened the safety of election officials, counting staff, political party agents and other personnel.
The collector also cited the risk of damage to ballot boxes and election documents due to flooding inside the premises, along with power and communication disruptions that could affect smooth and transparent counting.
The SEC accordingly permitted the postponement of counting at Chirala municipality to November 6.
