Strict action to be taken against violation of secrecy of voting under Section 128

Hailakandi, May 2, 2019:

The Hailakandi district administration urged the representatives of political parties to cooperate fully for smooth and peaceful counting of votes.

At a meeting convened by the district administration on Thursday, District Election Officer cum Deputy Commissioner, Keerthi Jalli urged the representatives of national and state political parties to extend their support and cooperation for smooth counting of votes on May 23.

She said each and every person must maintain proper decency and decorum inside the counting hall and strict action will be initiated if anyone violates the secrecy of voting under Section 128 of the Representation of People's Act, 1951.

Jalli said the counting agents to be appointed by the political parties must acquaint fully with the rule and procedure prescribed for the conduct of elections through EVM and VVPAT and familiarise with the operation of the voting machines.

In the meeting, it was cleared that no one barring the Returning Officer and General Observer will be allowed to carry mobile phone inside the counting hall and only one person either the candidate or his or her agent will be allowed to remain present against each allotted table. And also no one will be allowed to enter or leave the counting hall without prior permission of Returning Officer.

Randomization of counting officials will be carried out from 5 am to 6 am on the day of counting.

Superintendent of Police, Mohneesh Mishra said tight security arrangements would be put in place in and around the counting premises and sought the cooperation of the representatives of political parties and contesting candidates for conducting of the whole counting process smoothly.