The crucial counting of votes for local body elections across Pune district is set to commence on Sunday morning, marking the final phase of the electoral process. District election officer Jitendra Dudi announced that the tallying for 14 municipal councils and three nagar panchayats will begin at 10 am.
Massive Deployment for Counting Exercise
A total of 914 officers and staff members, including reserve personnel, have been assigned duty to ensure a smooth counting process. Dudi confirmed that all necessary security arrangements are in place, with an adequate police force deployed to maintain law and order at the counting centres. Preventive orders have been issued to preempt any untoward incidents.
Preparations and Arrangements Finalised
The polling for these 17 local bodies was conducted in two phases, on December 2 and December 20. In the run-up to the counting, each returning officer has appointed and trained their counting staff. All required material and logistical arrangements have been put in place at every designated counting centre.
To manage access, entry passes have been issued to authorised personnel, which includes the counting staff, contesting candidates and their agents, as well as accredited media persons. Specific instructions have been given to all returning officers to conduct the counting accurately and systematically through meticulous planning.
Facilities for Media and Transparency
Emphasising transparency and timely dissemination of results, the administration has made special arrangements for journalists. Separate seating areas and a dedicated media room have been established at the counting centres. This setup is designed to provide round-wise results to the media without any delay, ensuring the public receives updates promptly.
District Collector Dudi stated that the security blueprint for the counting day has been thoroughly reviewed. The administration is fully prepared to oversee the democratic process that will decide the leadership of these 14 municipal councils and three nagar panchayats in Pune district.
