Lok Sabha Election results 2024: Date, time, and where to watch poll results.

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The Lok Sabha election in India, which lasted for six weeks, concluded recently. The exit polls conducted after the election have predicted a return of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to power. The counting of votes will take place on Tuesday, and in this response, we will explain how the counting process is conducted.

Under Rule 54 A of the Conduct of Elections Rules 1961, the counting of postal ballot papers begins at 8 am. Thirty minutes later, the counting of votes from Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) starts. The EVMs are kept in strong rooms in each constituency, and the lock of the strong room is opened in the presence of candidates or representatives of each contesting party. The Returning Officer and the Special Observer of the Election Commission are also present during this process.

The entire counting process is videographed, and the control unit of the EVM is brought to the counting table. The unique ID and seal of each control unit are matched and shown to the polling agent of each candidate. When a button is pressed in the control unit, the votes for each candidate start appearing next to their name in the EVM.

There are a total of 15 tables in each counting center, with 14 tables reserved for counting and one table reserved for the returning officer. The allocation of employees to each table is kept secret, and the returning officer randomly allots halls and tables to staff on the morning of the counting day.

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The counting of votes begins at 8 am. First, the postal ballots and electronic postal ballots are counted, followed by the counting of EVM votes. The trends start emerging within minutes of the counting process. Only counting staff, returning officers, security personnel, and agents are allowed inside the counting center. No candidate’s agent is allowed to leave until the counting of votes is completed. Mobile phones are not allowed inside the counting center, except for those on duty. If any party agent suspects irregularities, they can demand a recount only after the official announcement of the result.

The Returning Officer enters the data of votes received by each candidate on the result sheet. After verifying the data, the Returning Officer declares the result and hands a certificate of victory to the winning candidate. Once the counting of votes is completed, the EVMs are again kept in the strong room, as per the rules, for 45 days after the counting day.

In conclusion, the counting of votes in the Lok Sabha Election 2024 follows a strict and transparent process. The counting of postal ballots and EVM votes is conducted separately, and the entire process is closely monitored to ensure fairness and accuracy.