Guwahati, 1st June: In preparation for the vote counting on June 4, Assam officials have implemented additional measures to ensure a smooth process despite disruptions caused by Cyclone Remal and the monsoon season. The state’s chief electoral officer (CEO), Anurag Goel, detailed the arrangements during a press conference on Friday, emphasizing uninterrupted power supply and alternative data feeding strategies.
Goel announced that power backup measures, including additional generators and inverters, have been put in place to counteract the ongoing issues with electricity and internet connectivity, particularly in West Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts. The Assam Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (APDCL) is working to restore reliable power to the counting centre in Haflong, Dima Hasao’s headquarters. Should internet issues persist, counting data from Dima Hasao will be uploaded from Diphu instead.
In response to potential flooding in Karimganj district, the Election Commission has approved the relocation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and other materials to higher ground if necessary, though the water level has receded for now. Contingency plans for ensuring the timely transport of election results include cooperation with neighboring Meghalaya officials and alternative routes for officials if needed.
The CEO addressed concerns about re-elections if incumbent MLAs win the Parliamentary seats, noting that clarity is still being sought from the Election Commission regarding whether re-elections will follow newly-drawn Assembly segments after last year’s delimitation.
To ensure the process runs smoothly, extensive training sessions have been conducted for security and counting personnel. A total of 5,823 counting staff and 64 general observers will be involved in the process. The state has already received 128,299 postal ballots, and overall voter turnout reached 81.56% across three phases.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of those deceased due to natural disasters following Cyclone Remal, and Rs 50,000 for those injured.
With comprehensive preparations in place, Assam aims to ensure a glitch-free vote counting process despite the recent challenges posed by severe weather conditions.