GANGTOK, Oct 23 - The final round of training for counting teams and micro observers, and a dry run (mock counting) were conducted at the District Administrative Centre (DAC), Sichey, today. The counting of votes for the October 21 bypolls will take place tomorrow.
Returning officer (RO) Raj Yadav briefed the counting teams on the process and norms to be followed during the counting of votes.
He explained the entire procedure from the counting of votes to the declaration of results, including the counting of postal ballots, electronically transmitted postal ballots, votes recorded in EVMs, VVPAT slips and compilation of data.
Training was also imparted on filling up different forms, compilation of data, etc.
Yadav informed those who attended the training programme, about various instructions issued by the Election Commission such as timely completion of the process. He said that the strongroom would be opened at 7 am in the presence of observers, candidates and their election agents and the counting will start at 8 am.
The RO said that use of mobile phones and electronic items would be prohibited inside the counting halls.
He added that the election agents would not be allowed to enter the counting halls without valid identity cards issued by the appropriate authority. He appealed to the participants of the training company to ensure peaceful and smooth conduct of the counting process.
