*Counting of Votes for Assembly Elections to Begin at 8 AM on October 8 – CEO, Sh. Pankaj Agarwal*

*Postal Ballot Counting First, followed by EVM Counting After 30 Minutes*

*Assembly Election Results available on the Election Commission's Website*

*Strict Security Measures in place throughout the Counting Process*

Chandigarh, October 7 – Haryana Chief Electoral Officer, Sh. Pankaj Agarwal stated that the counting of votes for the Haryana Assembly General Elections 2024 will commence at 8 AM on October 8, 2024. 93 counting centres have been set up for 90 assembly constituencies in 22 districts of the state. Two counting centres each have been set up for the Badshahpur, Gurugram, and Pataudi assembly constituencies, while one counting centre each has been established for the remaining 87 assembly constituencies, where the counting will take place. To monitor the counting process, 90 counting observers also have been appointed by Election Commission of India.

Sh. Pankaj Agarwal informed that the comprehensive security arrangements have been made for the counting. A total of 30 companies of Central Armed Police Forces have been deployed at 93 counting centres. The counting centres have been put under a three-tier security cover. Central security forces have been deployed in the innermost security cover. After that, state armed police and district police personnel will be deployed in the outermost cover. Around 12,000 police personnel are on duty at the counting centres across the state.

Sh. Agarwal stated that adequate checkpoints have been set up within a 100-meter perimeter of each counting centre. CCTV cameras have been installed in all 90 strong rooms where the EVM are stored to closely monitor all activities. Unauthorized individuals will be restricted from entering these areas. Additionally, CCTV cameras have been installed at the main entrance and throughout the entire premises of the counting centres to ensure comprehensive monitoring.

A meeting was held to review the counting preparedness with Deputy Commissioners/District Election Officers, to provide instructions for ensuring a well-organized counting process on October 8.

He stated that the counting will begin at 8 AM on October 8 Postal ballots will be counted first, followed by the counting of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) after 30 minutes. Accurate information on each round of counting will be uploaded in a timely manner. On the day of the counting, the strong rooms will be opened in the presence of candidates, their authorized representatives, Returning Officers (ROs)/Assistant Returning Officers (AROs), and ECI observers, with videography conducted. Furthermore, mobile phones will not be allowed inside the counting centres.

During the process, only authorized individuals, officials, or staff will be permitted inside and around the counting centres. The public and political party representatives are requested not to crowd the counting centres and check the results at home. The results will be available on the Election Commission of India’s website http://results.eic.in/ and through the Voter Helpline App.

Media centres have been set up at the counting centres for the press to access the latest updates. Only authorized personnel would be allowed entry into the counting centres. Additionally, instructions have been given to closely monitor social media to prevent the spread of any rumors related to the counting process. For any information or complaints related to the counting process, citizens can contact the toll-free number 1950 or the control room at 0172-2701362.