Puducherry: Counting of votes polled in Assembly elections held in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry began at 8 AM Sunday amid tight security and in strict adherence to the COVID-19 protocols.
In view of the rising number of coronavirus cases in the state, the Election Commission has decided to place tables at the counting halls in such a way that social distancing norms are maintained. All the EVMs and VVPATs at the counting centres will be sanitised before the commencement of the process.
A spokesman of the Election Department here told PTI that postal ballots were taken up first for counting.
This would be followed by counting of votes recorded in Electronic voting machines (EVMs) at 8:30 AM, the spokesman said.
The election authorities have banned victory processions and also distribution of sweets in view of the necessity to curb congestion and also prevent possible spread of pandemic.
PTI