Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu: Preparations are in full swing across Cuddalore district for the upcoming counting of votes for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The district administration has established four designated counting centres, equipped with comprehensive security arrangements and logistical support to ensure a smooth and transparent process. The counting is scheduled to commence on May 4, with officials aiming to have initial trends available by late morning.
A stringent three-tier security system has been implemented at the counting centres, located at Government Periyar Arts College in Cuddalore, Government Kolanjiappar Arts College in Vriddhachalam, Anna University constituent college campus in Panruti, and Government Arts College at C. Mutlur. The outer perimeter of these centres is managed by the district police, while the middle perimeter is secured by the Armed Reserve. The innermost perimeter, guarding the strong rooms where Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units are stored, is manned by paramilitary personnel. Continuous CCTV surveillance is in place, with live feeds being monitored around the clock to maintain the integrity of the stored election materials.
The process of randomisation for the counting personnel has also been completed. This crucial step, overseen by District Election Officer and Collector Sibi Adhithya Senthil Kumar, ensures impartiality in the assignment of duties. A total of 459 officials, including 153 micro-observers, 153 supervisors, and 153 counting assistants, will be involved in tallying the votes from the nine Assembly constituencies within the district. The computerised randomisation process, conducted using software provided by the Election Commission of India, assigns roles to these officials, with further randomisation scheduled closer to the counting day to allocate them to specific constituencies and counting tables.
The counting of votes will begin at 8 a.m. on May 4. A total of 2,590 polling stations across the nine constituencies will have their votes tallied across 126 tables, with 14 tables dedicated to each constituency. The Election Commission has also made provisions for basic amenities, including drinking water and toilet facilities, at the counting centres for the convenience of candidates and their agents.
The consolidation of counting centres, a trend seen across Tamil Nadu, has seen Cuddalore district with four centres for its nine constituencies. This move, part of a larger strategy by the Election Commission of India to streamline operations and enhance security, has led to a significant reduction in the total number of centres statewide. The use of college campuses as counting venues, a practice adopted since 2021, offers better space, infrastructure, and security provisions compared to school buildings previously used.
The district administration has also made arrangements for the distribution of postal ballots, which will be counted separately. Candidates and their agents are expected to adhere strictly to the guidelines issued by the Election Commission for the counting day, which include protocols on access to counting centres and the handling of materials.
The Chenab Times News Desk