AGARTALA,May 13(TIWN): As the day for the vote counting is approaching nearer, the district elections officers of various districts are agog with activities for preparation and training for counting personnel for error free and peaceful counting of votes on May 16 next.

Abhishek Singh, Returning Officer Tripura West parliamentary called upon the Counting officials to well prepare themselves for counting day and to ensure proper, systematic and accurate counting. He requested the resource persons apart from imparting training on counting process, that they should also highlight on new instructions and directives laid down by Election Commission of India for counting process.

He highlighted on detail and elaborates procedure of counting of votes and informed that Counting of Postal Ballots will be done inside enclosure of Counting Hall and arrangement have been made so that election agent or counting agent of candidates should not have access to Postal Ballot counting process. Soon after the Postal Ballot counting is over, the counting of polled EVMs will resume immediately as per schedule, he added.  He further said that strict care and vigilance must be maintained while counting the votes and its closure.

During the whole process of counting no cell phones or cameras will be allowed to carry inside counting hall. He also categorically mentioned that elaborate arrangement has been made to conduct counting process in more transparent, free and fair manner, besides giving extra care on security arrangements with 24x7 surveillance of CCTV cameras at all countng halls.  Movement of private vehicles in and around the premises of counting halls has also been strictly prohibited till counting process is over, he said.