Doda (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], October 6 : As preparations are on for the counting of votes for Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, Doda District Election Officer (DEO) Harvinder Singh on Sunday said that all necessary arrangements are complete.
"We have set up three counting halls for EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines) and three for postal ballots. Additional Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) have been appointed, as directed by the Election Commission of India, specifically for postal ballots," Singh said, highlighting the extensive planning in place for the smooth conduct of the counting process.
Speaking to ANI the DEO also outlined the personnel management strategies. "The first randomization of manpower, which was carried out at the DEO level, was done three days ago. The second randomization will take place tomorrow in the presence of observers, who have already reported. The third randomization will be conducted early in the morning on the day of counting, with candidates' agents present. This ensures that the allocation of tables is done in a completely impartial manner," Singh explained.
Singh further emphasised the training and preparedness of the counting staff. "I would like to inform you that the entire counting staff is adequately trained and guided by master trainers on how to carry out the counting process and upload results after each round on the ENCORE portal. In addition to this, special arrangements such as media cells and designated spaces for the candidates are also being prepared."
Singh expressed confidence that the counting process will be peaceful and orderly, just like the polling process was conducted. "The results will be announced according to the people's mandate, and we are fully prepared for that," he added.
Regarding security arrangements, Singh noted the importance of law and order management during the counting day. "There are 27 candidates contesting across the three assembly constituencies in District Doda. Naturally, not all candidates will win, and some may not take the results well. That's why law and order is an important issue," he stated. He also mentioned a review meeting held earlier in the day, where paramilitary forces and magistrates were briefed about their roles to ensure peace.
Addressing the public, Singh shared that the area around the counting centre at the DC office complex would be declared a no-vehicle zone within a 100-metre radius. "This may cause some inconvenience, but our traffic deployment plan is ready and will be shared with you by tonight or tomorrow morning. We urge the public to cooperate with the District Election Office and follow the traffic diversions. This will help avoid traffic jams and ensure that the counting process is completed peacefully."
Notably, the Axis My India has predicted a hung assembly in Jammu and Kashmir with the National Conference-Congress alliance slightly ahead and the BJP tailgating the opposition.
According to Axis My India, the NC-Congress alliance can win 35-45 seats whereas the BJP can win 24-34 seats. Notably, the majority mark to form the government in the Union Territory is 46 and the prediction has shown no one above the mark.
The single-phase polling for 90 Assembly Constituencies in Haryana concluded peacefully on Saturday across more than 20,000 polling stations and recorded a final voter turnout of 65.65 per cent. Jammu and Kashmir went to polls in three phases on September 18, September 25 and October 1.
The results of the assembly elections will be declared on October 8 for both the states.