AGARTALA, May 13 (TIWN): The state election machinery has geared up for counting of votes with the EC appointed counting observers started arriving here.Two EC appointed counting observers- Pramodh Gupta and Akhilesh Sharma have already arrived here to supervise the counting process scheduled to be published on May 16, official sources said here today.While Mr. Gupta will supervise the counting process in Dhalai district, Mr Sharma has been deputed to look after the counting of votes in Khowai subdivision.

To ensure free and fair counting, the Election Commission has appointed 14 observers. “Two counting observers have already arrived and rest observers are scheduled to arrive here by tomorrow, two-day ahead of the beginning of counting”, said an official of the CEO office.

This time, the counting will be conducted in 36 halls in 12 locations amid tight security. While counting of EVMs will be conducted in 34 halls across the state, two halls have been set up for counting of postal ballots.

As part of the precautionary measures, the district administrations have already imposed prohibitory order in and around the counting halls. Additional troops have been deployed around the counting halls to maintain peace and tranquility during the elections.

CEO Ashutosh Jindal had already paid visit to UK Academy and Umakanta English Medium School and Belonia Girls’ School to oversee the counting preparation.  

DGP C. Balasubramanian has already instructed the police at ground level to remain vigilant and perform impartial duty. Besides, he also asked the SPs to take all possible measures to prevent any kind of untoward incident during the counting.