SHILLONG, JUNE 3: The stage is set for the counting of votes for the Lok Sabha, 2024 which will take place on 4th June, 2024 that is tomorrow. The fate of the 10 candidates contesting in Shillong as well as Tura Parliamentary seats will be decided tomorrow. A three layer security arrangements made for across the 13 counting centres in the state.
Meghalaya Chief Secretary DP Wahlang on Monday conducted an inspection to the counting centre at Polo ground and reviewed the preparedness of the state authorities ahead of tomorrow’s counting of votes for the two Lok Sabha seats, Shillong and Tura.
Speaking to reporters, Chief Secretary DP Wahlang said that he is satisfied with the arrangements made for the counting of votes.
“After looking at all the processes adopted by the returning officer, I am sure that the counting will be conducted effectively tomorrow which will start at 8 am,”he said.
“Security measures are adequate. I just had a discussion with the SP of the district, adequate quantum of force has been graced here so we are satisfied with the arrangements,” the CS added.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) BDR Tiwari informed that all needful security arrangements are already in place.
“We are having a sufficient number of police personnel for counting centres and to look at the law and order,” he said.
“Counting of votes will start at 8 am. The counting of EVMs in Shillong and Tura will start by 8.30 am and in other centres it will be 8am,” he added.
Deputy commissioner of East Khasi Hills and returning officer for Shillong parliamentary constituency SC Sadhu said, there is three tier security arrangements that are being made and around 450-500 security personnel are placed for the counting duty.
“For security as per protocol, a three-layer security is already arranged here. The inner layer is being manned by CAPF and outer layer by the state police and from outer layer, there will be no vehicle zone. Vehicles should not enter the three-layer security area, vehicles with passes only will be allowed within this area,” he added.
The DC also spoke about revoking section 144 in the district and said the adequate arrangements have been made for the counting day.
“All arrangements have been made to ensure that counting is done efficiently and in a transparent manner,” Sadhu said.
There are a total of 13 counting centres across the State including 8 counting centres in Shillong Parliamentary seat and 5 in Tura Parliamentary seat.
A total of 369 tables will be used across 7 Districts under 1-Shillong (ST) PC and 244 tables across 5 Districts under 2-Tura (ST) PC. 15-Mawlai Assembly Segment will be counted in 9 rounds being the largest in terms of number of Electors.
There will be 8 Counting Centres for 1-Shillong (ST) PC and 5 Counting Centres for 2-Tura (ST) PC. A total of 18 Counting Observers has been deployed by the Election Commission of India (12 for 1-Shillong and 6 for 2-Tura PC).