Chennai: A day before the crucial vote counting for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has formally petitioned the Election Commission of India (ECI) urging stringent measures to prevent any unauthorized individuals from entering the counting centers. The party’s appeal comes as elaborate arrangements are in place across the state for the tabulation of votes scheduled for May 4.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the AIADMK has submitted a representation to the Chief Election Commissioner highlighting concerns over potential security breaches at the 62 counting centers established statewide. The party seeks to ensure the integrity and transparency of the counting process, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to protocols.
The Election Commission has detailed comprehensive security arrangements for the counting day. A three-tier security system will be implemented at all counting centers, involving a vast deployment of approximately one lakh security personnel. The outermost layer will establish a 100-meter perimeter around each center, with police personnel at entry points ensuring only authorized individuals gain access after thorough frisking. The second tier will involve State Armed Police securing the entry gates to the counting premises, regulating movement and restricting the use of mobile phones and other communication devices to designated areas. The innermost layer, guarding the counting halls and EVM strong rooms, will be managed by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel, with 65 companies deployed for this critical role.
As a novel initiative to bolster security and prevent unauthorized entry, the ECI has introduced a QR code-based Photo Identity Card system through its mobile application, ECINET. This system mandates that all authorized personnel, including Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, counting staff, technical personnel, candidates, election agents, and counting agents, undergo verification through QR code scanning at the third and innermost security checkpoint. This digital verification process is designed to enhance efficiency and accountability, ensuring that only credentialed individuals are permitted access.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the counting of votes recorded in all 75,064 polling stations, along with postal ballots, will commence at 8 a.m. on May 4. The counting of EVMs is slated to begin at 8:30 a.m. across 234 halls, utilizing 3,324 counting tables. A total of 10,545 personnel have been deployed for the counting duty itself, supported by 4,624 micro-observers tasked with ensuring the transparency and integrity of the process.
The political landscape in Tamil Nadu has seen heightened preparations from major parties, with both the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the AIADMK reportedly strengthening their “war rooms.” These command centers are intended to facilitate real-time coordination with candidates, counting agents, and district-level officials across all counting centers. This heightened vigilance is partly attributed to the close electoral contests observed in previous elections, where several seats were decided by very narrow margins, underscoring the importance of meticulous oversight until the final results are declared. The current election, characterized by a multi-cornered contest with new entrants, is expected to witness even tighter margins in many constituencies, further emphasizing the need for robust monitoring.
The AIADMK, in particular, has been vocal about the need for vigilance. Party General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami had previously advised counting agents to remain vigilant on June 4 (referencing an earlier election date), stressing the importance of not leaving the counting centers until the results are officially declared and to meticulously check all procedures. While the specific date for the current election’s counting is May 4, the sentiment of vigilance remains paramount.
The Election Commission has also deputed 234 Counting Observers, one for each Assembly constituency, to oversee the proceedings and ensure strict compliance with established norms. For the counting of postal ballots, specific arrangements have been made, including one counting table for every 500 ballots, supported by 1,135 additional Assistant Returning Officers (AROs). The round-wise results are expected to be announced by the concerned Returning Officer using the public address system at each center and will also be reflected in the ECINET app and the official results portal.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
