The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Telangana organised a workshop on Thursday, May 9, 2019 to train Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers from all the districts in the state in counting of votes for the Parliamentary elections to be held on May 23, 2019.
The workshop was a ‘hands-on’ training programme conducted as per guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India to prepare election officials in the state in ensuring the smooth conduct of the counting process in accordance with the regulations of the Representation of The People Act, 1951 and the protocols established by the Election Commission of India.
The workshop conducted a review of the entire counting process including various procedures and protocols regarding security measures, counting of VVPAT slips, presence of poll agents and candidates and announcement of results.
The Chief Electoral Officer Dr Rajat Kumar called on the officials participating in the workshop to attain clarity in the conduct of the mandated procedures and communicate effectively with members of their staff, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, the various observers delegated to their constituencies and finally, the Election Commission of India.
Regarding the security measures at counting centres, election officials were reminded that police personnel in or out of uniform were not to be permitted inside the counting halls. Communication centres with direct telephone lines to the Office of the CEO, District Election Officers and the Election Commission of India were to be set-up. The use of mobile phones inside counting centres is to be prohibited.
The review also requested election officials to set up media centres at prominent assembly segments and permit usage of mobile phones in and up to the media centre cordon.