Those having security cover can’t become counting agents: CEO

Haryana chief electoral officer Rajeev Ranjan on Monday said that members of parliament, members of legislative assembly, chairman of zila parishad and block samitis, and individuals having police security cover cannot become counting agents.

Ranjan said that during the counting of votes on May 23, no person apart from employees posted on duty, counting agents and mediapersons authorised by Election Commission (EC) would be allowed within in the premises of the counting centre. He said the counting of votes would be carried out in a fair and transparent manner while complying with the guidelines of EC.

He directed the DEOs that all the counting staff should be issued identity cards. At the same time, identity cards should also be issued to Class IV employees and outsiders who would bring water and food. He said that the staff posted on the counting duty would not be allowed to carry anything with them, including mobile.

Pens, pencils, keyring, knife, belt, bidi, matchstick, any electronic equipment and other items would be prohibited in the counting centres. Before entering the counting centre, all such things would be taken out.

Ranjan said at least two teams should be deputed for the counting of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines. In that team, it is mandatory to have the duty of cashier of a bank.

Apart from this, a separate counting team should also be kept in reserve. Individual counting of VVPAT machines should be done. He said that after counting, all EVM and VVPAT machines would be kept in strongrooms for 45 days. The chief electoral officer said that no vehicles should be allowed within 100 metres of the counting centres. Thus, no public crowd should be allowed to gather at counting centres.