THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, February 26: The stage is set for counting of votes for the five Urban Local Body (ULB) elections here on February 27.
Strong rooms and designated counting centres have been turned into high-security zones. Entry will be strictly restricted, and only those with valid passes will be allowed inside. Security personnel have been instructed to enforce the rules strictly.
Counting Process to Take Time
Sources said it may take a little over three hours to complete one round of counting. Ballot papers for mayor/chief and ward commissioners/members will first be segregated and bundled separately.
The stamped ballot papers will then be arranged candidate-wise. In some wards, as many as 11 candidates are in the fray. Even candidates who withdrew from active campaigning days before polling remain on the ballot paper, and their votes will also need to be sorted and bundled name-wise.
Officials expect the first round of counting to take more time, as the process will initially be slower. Subsequent rounds are likely to move faster once the counting staff settle into the routine.
There is no provision for mock counting. The actual counting will begin at 8 am sharp on February 27.
Government Staff to Handle Counting
No banking personnel have been deployed for the exercise. Counting will be conducted by general government service employees appointed for the task.
Candidates Confident of Victory
Supporters of various candidates were seen expressing confidence ahead of the counting day. Each camp claimed that its candidate was set to win, and none appeared to concede defeat at this stage.
The elections have seen participation from people belonging to diverse professions, including washermen, milkmen, cycle mechanics and grocers, reflecting broad grassroots involvement.
Possible Gatherings Outside Centres
Sources said some winning candidates are planning victory processions later in the evening. However, such late-night celebrations often draw limited public participation.
Since the counting day falls on Friday, Muslims are expected to gather near the periphery of the counting centres after their congregational prayers.