MANGALORE: After SSLC and PUC results, the state now awaits the mother of all results in the form of the state assembly election results. And these results just as SSLC results are expected to crystallize latest by noon at Canara College here on Wednesday where counting will start at 8am. With postal ballots slated for counting first as per directions from the Election Commission, it could be a while before EVMs used in the polls are taken out for counting.
District election officer and deputy commissioner Harsh Gupta said 6,635 postal ballots have been issued, averaging around 830 ballots for eight assembly constituencies. “There is time up to 8am on the counting day for us to receive these ballots from those who have mailed it,” the DC said.
“One has to check if the declaration and other aspects of filing the ballot have been done or not,” he explained.
While counting for Belthangady, Moodbidri, Mangalore City South, Mangalore City North, Mangalore and Bantwal constituencies will be taken up in Canara PU College, this process for Puttur and Sullia constituencies will be held at Canara College on the same premises. Arrangements have been made to set up 14 tables for each constituency. There will be a supervisor, counting assistant, micro observer and group D employee each per table.
In all, 513 people including 132 supervisors, 131 counting assistants, 121 group D employees and 129 micro observers are involved in the counting process.
Agents of candidates should be present in their respective counting rooms by 7.30am and are not allowed to carry mobile phones.
Ban on processions, protests
City police chief Manish Kharbikar has slapped prohibitory orders across the city for a 72-hour period from 6am on May 8 in view of counting. Victory processions and protest demonstrations are banned till 6am on May 11. Manish has also announced change in the flow of vehicles on roads leading to Canara College and comes in to effect from 7am till such time that counting is over.
