LUCKNOW: Counting of votes for the biennial elections to five Graduates’ and six Teachers’ constituencies of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council will begin at 8am on Tuesday, with Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa directing returning officers to ensure adequate security and logistical arrangements.In instructions issued on Monday, Rinwa directed officials to ensure an uninterrupted power supply at all counting centres, with automatic-switch generators kept on standby to prevent disruptions.Adequate security personnel must remain deployed until counting is completed, while CCTV surveillance and videography will be mandatory to monitor the process.The CEO instructed officials to restrict the entry of unauthorised persons, ensure sufficient stationery at counting tables and deploy trained personnel.As Legislative Council elections follow the proportional representation system through the single transferable vote, counting may take longer than in conventional elections. Accordingly, additional trained officials and employees must remain on standby.Candidates must also be informed about the guidelines governing the appointment of counting agents, and the necessary identity badges must be arranged.Rinwa directed officials to ensure that counting strictly follows the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, and the Election Commission’s guidelines.He warned that any negligence or violation of the prescribed procedures would be viewed seriously.
