AGARTALA, May 13 (TIWN): Tripura Chief Electoral Officer Ashutosh Jindal today asked District Election Officers-cum-District Collectors of Unakoti and North Tripura district to prepare for swift and accurate declaration of Lok Sabha poll results on May 16 , during his one day visit in both districts on Tuesday. Vote Counting related preparations completed at all centres amid unprecedented security arrangements, CEO interacted with District Election Officers during a meeting.

Only valid pass holders shall be allowed to enter the counting centres and there should be no hindrance to them, he instructed.  Mr. Jindal said a few media centres would be set up for coverage of results.

Talking to TIWN  after his return here  the CEO said out of the 14 general observers deployed in the state for counting,  4 observers already arrived and remaining are scheduled to arrive tomorrow. Speaking about the preparation for May 16 counting he stated that prior to counting, which would be taken up at 8 a.m., the candidates and their agents should be present at the venue at 7 a.m. itself.

The personnel, who had been deputed for each and every table, should accomplish their task accordingly. They should mandatorily possess identity cards during the counting as directed by Election Commission of India. They should not carry water packets, cool drinks and other eatables at the venue. Use of mobile phone, match box, cigarette and other intimidating objects like knife and blade are banned.

Re-entry of agents deputed for tables would not be entertained at any circumstance once they left the venue.If there was necessity, the agents could move after handing over identity badges to officials. Food items would be provided to candidates and their agents at the venue itself based on payment.Hence, Returning Officers should be informed of requirements about food items and refreshments in advance in a written form.