Lok Sabha election results 2024: How votes are counted

On June 4, 2024, India will witness the culmination of its democratic exercise with the counting of votes for the Lok Sabha Elections. The counting process is quite intricate with special checks and balances to ensure transparency, accuracy, and fairness.

We dive into the machinery behind vote counting, from EVM storage after polling to the selection and training of counting staff to the stringent measures ensuring the integrity of the process.

EVM storage after polling

After the elections, the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are securely stored in “strong rooms”, equipped with a single access door and protected by a two-layered security cordon. Candidates’ agents are permitted to maintain a continuous vigil over the EVMs until counting day. The locks on these strong rooms bear the seals of election officials as well as the candidates or their representatives.

This collaborative effort ensures that no single entity holds implicit trust over the custody chain. The Election Commission of India (ECI) mandates that all stakeholders are involved at every stage of EVM storage and movement, guaranteeing transparency and security.

Several safeguards are implemented to maintain the integrity of the EVMs:

1. Serial number verification: A list of EVM serial numbers used in the poll, along with the number of votes polled in each, is shared with candidates and their agents for verification during the counting.

2. Sealing procedures: After polling, EVMs are sealed in their carrying cases at the polling stations in the presence of polling agents, who also sign the seals alongside the polling officer.

3. Battery removal: The battery, the only power source for the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) , is removed at the polling station in the presence of polling agents after the poll concludes.

4. CCTV surveillance: Live feed from CCTV cameras covering the entry to strong rooms is provided to candidates’ representatives stationed at the counting center.

5. Two-tier security: The strong rooms housing polled EVMs are secured with two-tier security arrangements.

6. Pre-count verification: On the counting day, the EVM seals and serial numbers are verified by candidates’ counting agents before the counting begins.

These measures ensure that every aspect of EVM handling is transparent and involves the active participation of candidates’ representatives, leaving nothing to implicit trust.

Selection and training of counting staff

The people who count votes on counting day are appointed by the Returning Officer (RO), an official appointed by the Election Commission of India to oversee the election process in a specific constituency. The RO’s responsibilities include supervising the counting of votes, ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, and declaring the results. The RO can be a district magistrate, an additional district magistrate, or an officer of equivalent rank.

Counting staff is randomly selected from a database of election officials using randomisation software. The initial randomisation includes 120 per cent of the required number for the district, done one week before the date of counting. Another randomisation is conducted AC-wise within 24 hours of counting in the presence of the observer.

The counting staff typically includes counting supervisors (preferably gazetted officers of the Central or State government or officers of equivalent status in Public Sector Undertakings), counting assistants, micro observers (Central government officials), and group D employees.

Appointment and training

Appointment letters are issued to selected counting staff with instructions to report to their respective counting centres on counting day. Comprehensive training sessions, including doubt-clearing sessions, are conducted to ensure staff thoroughly understand their roles and responsibilities. On the counting day, the allotment of tables to each counting supervisor, counting assistant, and micro-observer is done at 5 AM in the presence of the observer, ensuring fairness and transparency.

The counting hall setup

On counting day, the EVMs are transported from the strong room to the counting hall under strict security. The counting hall is organised with tables, each assigned to a specific assembly segment. The counting process involves several steps:

Before the counting starts, the EVM seals and unique serial numbers are verified against records. Any discrepancies are immediately reported and addressed, ensuring that the machines have not been tampered with since the poll ended.

Once verification is complete, the control unit of each EVM is powered on, and the ‘Result’ button is pressed. This action displays the number of votes each candidate received. Counting supervisors then record these results on a result sheet, ensuring accuracy and accountability.

After all the votes from the EVMs are tallied, the results from each table are compiled to form the final tally for the constituency. This process is carried out meticulously to ensure that the final results reflect the true will of the voters.

Ensuring transparency and accuracy

Transparency is a cornerstone of the vote-counting process. Several measures are in place to ensure this. The entire process, from opening the strong room to transporting EVMs to the counting hall, is recorded to maintain a record and ensure transparency.

The presence of micro-observers and counting agents from various political parties ensures continuous monitoring and immediate addressing of any irregularities. Once all votes are tallied, the results are publicly announced by the Returning Officer (RO) in the presence of all candidates and their agents.

In case of disputes or discrepancies, the RO can order a recount. This process is also conducted in the presence of candidates and their agents to maintain transparency.

Strong security measures, including armed security personnel and surveillance systems, are in place to prevent unauthorised access or tampering with EVMs.

With inputs from agencies