Office of the District Election Officer, Puducherry

15th GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ELECTION OFFICER, PUDUCHERRY

WELCOMES YOU

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Briefing to Counting Supervisors and Counting Assistants on

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 THE TEAM FOR THE TASK

Thiru. Shurbir Singh, IAS CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER

Ms. Purva Garg , IAS DISTRICT ELECTION OFFICER Puducherry

3 GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Counting Day

2.5.2021

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 6.00 A.M

Your reporting time GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 COUNTING CENTRES AT PUDUCHERRY

MOTHILAL NEHRU GOVT. .Mannadipet POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE .Thirubuvanai .Oussudu .Mangalam .Villianur .Ozhukarai .Kadirgamam .Indira Nagar .Thattanchavady

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 COUNTING CENTRES AT PUDUCHERRY

TAGORE ARTS & SCIENCE .Kamaraj Nagar COLLEGE .Muthialpet .Raj Bhavan

.Lawspet .Kalapet

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 COUNTING CENTRES AT PUDUCHERRY

WOMEN’S POLYTECHNIC .Oupalam COLLEGE .Orleyampet .Mudaliarpet .Nellithope .Ariankuppam .Manavely .Embalam .Nettapakkam .Bahour

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 THIS IS IMPORTANT

• You will be informed by 2.00 PM on 1st May 2021, latest, on you place of posting. • You have to collect your order and ID card from the respective Counting Centre entrance for officials on 2nd May 2021 at 6.00 A.M. • Park your vehicle in the College premises. • Kindly avoid coming by car. • Counting process is likely to take around 18 hours. Be prepared and come prepared. • Your food requirements will be taken care.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Major Legal Provisions relating to Counting

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Major legal provisions related to counting and election return

Representation of People Act, 1951

• Counting under supervision and direction of the Sec 64: Counting Returning Officer. of Votes • Contesting candidate /election agent/ /counting agents have a right to be present.

11 GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Major legal provisions related to counting and election return Representation of People Act, 1951

Sec 65: Equality of • Result to be decided by draw of lot by Votes Returning Officer.

• In the absence of any direction to the Sec 66: Declaration contrary from ECI, Returning Officer to of Results declare the result on completion of counting.

12 GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Major legal provisions related to counting and election return

Representation of People Act, 1951

•Applicable to officer/clerk/agent/person performing duty in connection to election Sec 128: (during poll or counting). Maintenance •Returning Officer should administer an of secrecy of oath to maintain secrecy of voting and voting read it out aloud before the commencement of counting of votes. •Violation punishable with three months imprisonment or fine or with both.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Major legal provisions related to counting and election return The Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 • Nobody else except Returning Officer, Assistant Returning Officer, counting staff, candidates, their Rule 53: election agents and counting agents public servants Admission on duty, persons authorized by ECI to be admitted to to the the place of counting. place of counting • Whosoever misconducts himself or fails to obey lawful direction of Returning Officer shall be removed from the counting hall.

Rule 54: • Returning Officer to read out provision of Section 128 Secrecy of aloud before commencement of counting. voting

14 GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Major legal provisions related to counting and election return The Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 Rule 56C: Actual counting Rule 55C 55C:: Scrutiny and inspection of EVMs before counting. 1. Press the result button and see the display of votes count. Counting staff and counting agents to inspect and ensure that the 2. Note down the same in part-II of Form Control Unit is not tampered and 17C. Counting supervisor to sign in it all seals are intact. If not, report along with candidates or their election the matter to ECI. agents or counting agents. 3. Corresponding entries to be made in Form-20.

Rule 57C: EVMs after counting. After, result is recorded in Part-II of Form 17C, the Control Unit is to be sealed with the seals of the Returning Officer and candidates/ counting agents.

15 GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Major legal provisions related to counting and election return

The Conduct of Election Rules, 1961

Rule 61 provides for Rule 60 provides for re-commencement Rule 63 provides for continuous of counting after recount of votes. counting. fresh poll .

Rule 65 provides for Rule 66 provides for Rule 64 provides for counting at two or grant of certificate declaration of result more places for one of election to of election. constituency . returned candidate.

16 GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 INFRASTRUCTURE AND SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS AT COUNTING CENTRES

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Infrastructural and security arrangements at counting centres

• Mobile phones can be brought inside the counting hall only by the Observer. • Use of mobile phone by other officers / officials, candidates, counting agents is strictly prohibited. • Cloak room facility is available for safe custody of mobile phone.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 GUIDELINES FOR COVID : SAFE COUNTING

. Social distancing shall be maintained in and around the Counting hall, as per guidelines. . All the officials, candidates and their agents shall wear face mask at all times. . Counting centre shall be disinfected before, during and after the counting. . Carrying cases of CUs/VVPATs should be sanitized before placing them in the counting tables. . De-sealing of CUs/VVPATs and displaying result on CU should be done by one official on each table.

19 GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 INFRASTRUCTURAL AND SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS AT COUNTING CENTRES

• For each Returning Officer (except Returning Officer V), there shall be three counting halls. • In each counting hall, there shall be 7 counting tables. • The Returning Officer shall head the table in the first counting hall, while the Assistant Returning Officers shall head the other two counting halls. • The Returning Officers shall be in-charge of counting of postal ballots. • In respect of Returning Officer V, there shall be two counting hall.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 INFRASTRUCTURAL AND SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS AT COUNTING CENTRES

• The Returning Officer V shall head the table in the first counting hall, while the Assistant Returning Officer shall head second counting hall. • The Returning Officer V shall be in-charge of counting of postal ballots. • In all the counting halls, the Returning Officer shall take up counting of polling stations of ONE Assembly Constituency, including VVPAT counting. After declaration of result of that Assembly Constituency, counting of the next Constituency will be taken up. • It is likely that the counting of the second constituency will be taken by noon and the third by evening. • Counting will be completed by late night.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 INFRASTRUCTURAL AND SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS AT COUNTING CENTRES  One of the EVM counting table is earmarked as VCB for counting of VVPAT slips in the room where Returning Officer is present.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Infrastructural and security arrangements at counting centres

LAYOUT OF COUNTING HALL

Black Board

C.S C.S

7 C.A C.A

C.S C.S 6 13 C.A C.A

s C.S C.S

12 5 C.A C.A

C.S C.S

4 11 C.A C.A

C.S C.S

C o u n tin g A g e n ts o f c a n d id a te s

3 10 C o u n t in g A g e n t s o f c a n d id a t e C.A C.A

C.S C.S

2 9 C.A C.A

C.S C.S 8 1 R.O for AC/ C.A Candidates/ ARO for PC C.A Agents

Clerks to assist

C.S=Counting Supervisor; C.A. = Counting Assistant 23 GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Infrastructural and security arrangements at counting centres

• The candidates or their agents will be allowed to sit around Returning Officer /Assistant Returning Officer’s table to watch the counting process. • A table with computer in which computation and compilation of data from each table after each round shall be done, should be alongside of Returning Officer /Assistant Returning Officer’s table. • Adequate barricades using woodblock and wire-mesh for each counting table to prevent agents / candidates / representatives from handling polled EVMs shall be provided, but agents should be able to view the entire process.

24 RETURNING OFFICER AND POLLING STATIONS

R.O Assembly No. of PS. No. of tables EVM VVPAT counting . Constituency Counting rounds No. rounds I1.Mannadipet 50 21 3 5 2. Thirubuvanai 52 21 3 5 3. Ossudu 52 21 3 5 II4.Mangalam 59 21 3 5 5. Villianur 67 21 4 5 6. Ozhukarai 66 21 4 5 III 7. Kadirgamam 53 21 3 5 8. IndiraNagar 60 21 3 5 9. Thattanchavady 48 21 3 5 IV 10. Kamaraj Nagar 60 21 3 5 13. Muthialpet 50 21 3 5

25 GENERAL14. Raj Bhavan ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY 45 21LEGISLATIVE 3 ASSEMBLY, 2021 5 RETURNING OFFICER AND POLLING STATIONS

R. Assembly No. of PS. No. of tables EVM VVPAT O. Constituency Counting counting No rounds rounds . V 11. Lawspet 50 14 4 5 12. Kalapet 53 14 4 5 VI 15. Oupalam 48 21 3 5 16. Orleampeth 39 21 2 5 18. Mudaliarpet 55 21 3 5 VII17. Nellithope 53 21 3 5 19. Ariyankuppam 59 21 3 5 20. Manavely 52 21 3 5 VIII21. Embalam 52 21 3 5 22. Nettapakkam 51 21 3 5 23. Bahour 43 21 3 5 26 GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Total 1217 Infrastructural and security arrangements at counting centres

• Provide at every counting table:- o A blue ballpoint pen. o Paper knife for breaking open seals. o Two sheets of paper, Part II of Form 17-C [duplicate with carbon copy]. o Proforma for recording of votes secured by each candidate and NOTA by additional counting staff/ Micro observer. • Arrangement is in place for loud speaker and a black board for disseminating information regarding trends in counting and results to public and media. • Adequate teams are there for sealing EVMs and other envelopes.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Infrastructural and security arrangements at counting centres

• Only official video camera for overall videography in the counting hall. • No camera still or video of journalist or media person is allowed inside the counting hall. • Hand held cameras of press/media persons having valid passes can be allowed to take a general view. They should not be allowed beyond a certain demarcated line or a string put for this purpose. • Under no circumstance votes recorded in EVM should be captured by any camera including the official camera.

28 GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Infrastructural and security arrangements at counting centres PERSONS ALLOWED INTO COUNTING HALL

Counting Supervisors, Counting Assistants and Micro Observers.

Persons authorized by ECI.

Public servants on duty in connection with election.

Candidates, their election agents and counting agents.

Everybody inside the counting hall shall have to display his I-card . Infrastructural and security arrangements at counting centres

Police personnel, whether in uniform or plain clothed, NOT allowed. Must remain outside and can enter only when called by RO /ARO to come to control . PERSONS

Ministers, State Ministers, Deputy Ministers of Union and State, unless they are candidates.

NOT ALLOWED INTO

The above dignitaries cannot be appointed as election or counting or polling agent of candidate as they require security.

COUNTING HALL

Counting agent cannot enter unless he has submitted 2nd copy of appointment letter after completing and signing the declaration.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Infrastructural and security arrangements at counting centres PRIORITY IN SEATING IN COUNTING HALL (subject to seating capacity)

1.Counting Agents of candidates of recognized national parties

2. Counting Agents of candidates of recognized state parties 3. Counting Agents of candidates of recognized state parties of other states permitted to use reserve symbol 4. Counting Agents of candidates of registered unrecognized parties

5. Counting Agents of Independent Candidates

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Infrastructural and security arrangements at counting centres DISCIPLINE & DECORUM IN COUNTING HALL

Counting Agents to keep seated at allotted table.

Counting Agents shouldn’t be allowed to move around the hall. However, candidates/ election agents can move around hall.

Only one person – either candidate or agent to be present at a table on behalf of contesting candidate.

CPF officials posted at doors of counting hall.

The Returning Officer /Assistant Returning Officer can send anyone out of hall if he disobeys his orders.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 You Show the Way

• Don’t be too social with the Counting Agents/Candidates/ Candidate agents. • Don’t go around other counting halls, even when you don’t have any work. • You should not only be impartial, but appear to be impartial.

33 GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 There will be three counting staff in each counting table

Counting Supervisor 1 Counting Supervisor

2 Counting Assistant

3 Micro Observer On the table of Counting Supervisor, a slip is affixed RO- V– Counting Hall No. indicating the polling Table No. 1 stations allotted to the particular table for AC. Booth No. each round. No. 11 11/1 11/15 11/29 11/43

12 12/1 12/15 12/29 12/43

RO-V – Counting Hall No.

Table No.2

AC. Booth No. No. 11 11/2 11/16 11/30 11/44

12 12/2 12/16 12/30 12/44

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Counting of votes recorded in EVMs – Steps to be followed

36 GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Counting of Votes Recorded in EVMs. • The EVMS should be brought under escort from the strong room to the counting hall. • EVMs to be distributed sequentially, i.e. Polling Station No. 1 to Table 1 and so on. • Only Control Unit will be brought to the counting hall. • Along with Control Unit, sealed cover containing Form 17C (Account of Votes) will be brought to counting table. • Counting Supervisor to acknowledge the receipt of CU.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Procedure for counting of votes from Control Unit • The Counting Supervisor shall check that the Control Unit belongs to the Polling Station allotted to his table. • The Counting Supervisor shall take out Form 17 C from the sealed cover. • The Counting Supervisor shall remove the seals from carrying case, take out the Control Unit and place it on his table for inspection of seals by candidates/ agents .

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Procedure for counting of votes from Control Unit

• The Counting Supervisor shall fill up the details in the duplicate copy ofPart–II of17C

PS No. /AC No. Table No. Round No:

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Form 17C [Duplicate Copy]

40 GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Procedure for counting of votes from Control Unit • When Control Unit is taken out of carrying case, the Counting Supervisor shall check:  The seal of candidate set section is intact.  The strip seal in the result section is not tampered.  Special Tag is fixed in Result Section.  The number in paper seal tallies with the number shown in Item No.10of Part Iof Form17 C .

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Checking of serial number of Control Unit • The Counting Supervisor shall verify and record on Form 17C that the serial number of the CU taken up for counting is the same as noted on Part I of Form 17C. • The Micro Observer shall also note down the CU number in his form. • The CU will itself display of its serial number when power is switched on. • In case of any discrepancy, this should be brought to the notice of RO/ARO and Observer before counting of that CU.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Procedure for counting of votes from Control Unit • The Counting Supervisor should allow the candidates or their agents to compare such serial numbers of the paper seal and special tag and satisfy themselves that the paper seal and special tag are the same which had been fixed by the Presiding Officer at the polling station before the commencement of poll.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Checking of serial number of seals in Control Unit

Special tag No. Strip seal No.

Green paper CU seal No. No.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 FORM 17C FORM – PART I PART

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Checking of serial number of Control Unit • If any EVM had been replaced during poll, proper record of the same shall be maintained and the serial number of new CU shall be maintained.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Counting of votes recorded in EVMs

Allow the counting Poll date and poll start agents to verify unique time and poll end time numbers of Pink Paper displayed on the CU Seal, Outer Paper Seal, should be verified Special Tag and Green from the record and Paper Seal. shown to the counting agents.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Counting of votes recorded in EVMs

If more than one CU were Result of each CU is to be used in the PS, all the CUs obtained separately and should be brought to the separate counting table together. Part II of Form 17-C is to be prepared.

A consolidated Part II of Form 17C should be prepared.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 evm counting

Control Unit Checking Result Section Address Tag, Pink Remove outer Strip Paper Seal, Outer Seal, Seal on outer Paper Seal, Special Tag, cover, open the Form Green Paper Seal outer cover 17C

Checking the Paper Seal No. Seal of Special and 17C (Item Tag & Paper Seal 10) entry tallies

Agents To verify Paper Seal & Special Tag GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Counting – Step by Step - 1

 Don’t meddle with the address tag in the Candidate set and Power Section.  The pink paper seal is not to be disturbed.  Check the CU No. and green paper seal No. with Form 17C.  Inform the CU No., green paper seal No. and strip seal No. to the polling agents.  When every thing goes right, remove the address tag of the Result Section. Counting – Step by Step - 2

 Without upsetting the number of the strip seal, tear of the strip seal.  Remove the outer cover of the Result Section.  Inform the Special Tag No. to the counting agents.  When the outer cover of the Result Section is removed the close button will be visible.  The Result button and Print button will be covered by the green paper seal. Counting – Step by Step - 3

 The sealing in the inner cover of the Result section need not be disturbed.  The special tag over the close button shall not be removed.  Switch on the CU.  The Result button under the inner cover can be reached by piercing the green paper seal .

Counting of votes recorded in EVMs

Total no. of votes for each Pierce the paper seal candidate and NOTA will be over Result button displayed for that PS. Lift Switch ‘On’ the CU the unit and show it to all and Press the ‘Result’ agents so that they can note button. down votes polled by candidates.

Counting Assistant to note result in Part –II – Result of Counting of If required, press again After result is noted in Form 17C. to show result to Form 17 C-Part II, close candidates/agents so cover of result section Micro Observer shall that they are satisfied. and Switch “OFF” CU. also note down the result.

54 GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Completion of Part II of Form 17C

On noting down the details in Part II of Form 17C, he If any discrepancy shall check the is noticed total number of between these votes, as shown in totals, it should be that Part tallies noted and with the total reported to the number of votes Returning against Item No.6 Officer/Assistant of Part I of Form Returning Officer. 17C.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 In case of Test Vote

If any test vote is recorded in the Polling Station, as If there is no test disclosed in Col.5 vote under Rule of Part I in Form 49MA(d), the 17C, such vote number of votes in should be Col.4 will be the deducted from the same in Col.5 of voted polled by Part II. the candidate in Col.4 of Part II – Result of Counting.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 FORM 17C – Check the and tally the total

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Completion of Part II of Form 17C

Use carbon paper to fill up Form 17C [Original used in the Handover the Polling Station [at page Form to the 3] and duplicate Returning supplied in the counting centre]. Officer/Assistant Counting Supervisor Returning Officer to sign without for compilation of removing carbon result. paper. Both the copies of Wait for the next Form 17 C should round of counting. be signed by the Counting agents The same present , without procedure is to be removing carbon adopted. paper.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 PREPARATION OF FORM 17C PART II

 First copy to be given to RO/ARO for computing round-wise result.  Second Copy- To be used for photocopy.  Photocopy – round-wise and table-wise to be given to candidates.  Original second copies to be returned to counting supervisors.  Table-wise copies of Form 17C to be kept in an envelope superscribed ‘Duplicate copy of result of counting in Form 17C Part II’.  This envelope is to be handed over to the RO/ARO.  The starting of next round of counting need not wait till distribution of these copies is complete. This can go on simultaneously. GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 On the envelope – Fill in……

Duplicate Copy of Result of Counting in Form 17C – Part II • Table No. ------• Total No. of rounds counted ------• Name of the Counting Supervisor: ------

60 GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 evm counting

Pierce Paper Switch “ON” Seal over Control Unit Result & Press Result

Note down in “Part IIII-- Switch “OFF” Result of Counting” of 17C- the Control Duplicate using Carbon Unit Paper Other 17C Part II Photocopy - 17C Part II to to all agents RO /ARO for compilation

Counting Supervisor will keep 2nd Copy of 17C Part II Put it in envelope & Seal it Compilation of Result

Returning The Observer will Officer/Assistant do parallel Returning Officer counting of two will countersign polling stations, Part-II of Form 17C randomly selected after satisfying in each round, himself on its with the help of correctness. additional Thereafter Form counting staff to 17C will be sent get satisfied that for compiling votes tally with round-wise result Form 17C. in Form 20.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 In case of Discrepancy

If any discrepancy is found between the result obtained from the table and ascertained through random checking by the Observer, then………..

the result of that round of EACH TABLE shall be verified from the Control Unit.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 In case of Discrepancy

Such Counting Supervisor and Counting Assistant who have wrongly noted the counting result would be taken off and replaced by another set of staff.

Severe disciplinary action will follow on the erring staff for their omissions and commissions.

The result provided by such staff (and table) in the preceding rounds would be checked again in the presence of the Observer and corrected sheets would be prepared, wherever necessary.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 Round-wise Result

The round-wise result shall be announced by the Returning Officer and display it on the black board.

A photo copy of the round-wise tabulation sheet, after it is verified and signed by the Returning Officer and the Observer, should be supplied to each candidate / election agent / counting agent present in the counting hall against proper acknowledgement.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 TROUBLE SHOOTING

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 TROUBLESHOOTING

If there is variation in the number between the green paper seal as shown in Form 17C and in the Control Unit, the matter to be referred to the Returning Officer and only with his approval, the Control Unit should be brought back on the counting table.

Similarly, if the seals are tampered, follow the above procedure.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 TROUBLESHOOTING

If the Returning Officer and the Observer are satisfied that the discrepancy is a clerical error and is reconciled with other records, then the counting in that Control Unit will continue after explaining the discrepancy to the candidate / election agents / counting agents.

In all such cases, the Returning Officer shall maintain a record of the cases explaining the grounds on which they arrived at the satisfaction that the discrepancy was clerical in nature.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 TROUBLESHOOTING

If the discrepancy is grave and if the Returning Officer and Observer are not convinced that it is a clerical error, the Returning Officer shall report the matter to the Commission and act only as per the Commission’s direction.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 NonNon--PressingPressing of CLOSE button

 When the RESULT button is pressed by the Counting Supervisor and if the Control Unit displays “Invalid” message, it may be due to the fact that the Presiding Officer might not have pressed the CLOSE button on the day of poll after the closure of poll.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 PROCEDURE IN CASE THE CLOSE BUTTON NOT PRESSED AT THE END OF THE POLL • In case any Control Unit does not display result due to not-pressing of ‘Close’ button by the Presiding Officer in the polling station at the close of poll, it should be kept back inside its carrying case in the Returning Officer’s custody in the counting hall. Counting of votes in other machines should continue as usual. • When counting of votes in other machines is completed, the Returning Officer and Observer should see whether the margin of votes between the first candidate and the runner up is more or less than the votes polled in such machine.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 PROCEDURE IN CASE THE CLOSE BUTTON NOT PRESSED AT THE END OF THE POLL • In both the cases where the margin of votes is more or less than the total votes polled in that machine(s), the Returning Officer/Counting Supervisor shall press the ‘Total’ button of the Control Unit to see the total votes polled in that machine(s). • In case, total votes polled in the machine(s) tallies with the total votes polled mentioned in the Form-17 C, the Returning Officer/Counting Supervisor shall press the ‘Close’ button of the Control Unit. • Then press ‘Result’ button and get the result data. • In such case the Returning Officer and Observer should send a detailed report to the Commission in Annexure A.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 PROCEDURE IN CASE THE CLOSE BUTTON NOT PRESSED AT THE END OF THE POLL • In case, total votes polled in the machine does not tally with the total votes polled mentioned in the Form-17 C, DO NOT PRESS CLOSE BUTTON OF THE CU. • The matter should be referred by the Returning Officer to the Commission for its decision and action may be taken as per the direction of the Commission. • The Returning Officer and Observer should also send a report to the Commission in Annexure B where the margin of votes between the candidates having highest vote and the runner up is MORE than the votes polled in the Control Unit in question.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 PROCEDURE IN CASE THE CLOSE BUTTON NOT PRESSED AT THE END OF THE POLL • For example, Margin of votes –750 Votes Polled in the CU [As obtained by pressing total button] - 512. • Then, RESULT should not be seen from the CU. • Report to be sent to the Commission seeking permission to set aside the votes polled in the CU and to declare the result.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 PROCEDURE IN CASE THE CLOSE BUTTON NOT PRESSED AT THE END OF THE POLL • The Returning Officer and Observer should also send a report to the Commission in Annexure C where the margin of votes between the candidates having highest vote and the runner up is LESS than the votes polled in the Control Unit in question. • For example, Margin of votes – 223. Votes Polled in the CU [As obtained by pressing total button] - 719. • DO NOT PRESS CLOSE BUTTON OF THE CU.. • Then, RESULT should not be seen from the CU. • Report to be sent to the Commission for appropriate orders.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 79 GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 80 GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 NON RETRIEVAL OF RESULT FROM CONTROL UNIT

• If result is not displayed in a CU then it shall be kept back inside its carrying case and then be kept in the Returning Officer's custody in the counting hall. Counting of votes in other machines should continue as usual.

• Result from such Control Unit will not be retrieved using Auxiliary Display Unit or Printer.

GENERAL• After ELECTIONScompletion TO PUDUCHERRYof counting LEGISLATIVEof votes ASSEMBLY,from 2021all NON RETRIEVAL OF RESULT FROM CONTROL UNIT

• After counting of ballot slips candidate wise, total votes shall be tallied with item 6 of Part I of Form 17C of that polling station. • Result of the VVPAT paper slips count shall be prepared. • After completion of counting of VVPAT paper slips, the bundles of all the VVPAT Paper Slips shall be kept back in the Drop Box of the respective VVPAT and door of the Drop Box shall be sealed using address tags. • The candidate(s)/their agents may be allowed to affix their signature with party abbreviation on the address tags. MANDATORY VERIFICATION OF VVPAT PAPER SLIPS

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 MANDATORY VERIFICATION OF VVPAT PAPER SLIPS • Verification of VVPAT paper slips should be done in respect of randomly selected FIVE polling stations of each Assembly segment of the Parliamentary constituency. • Selection of five polling stations by draw lots by the RO in the presence of the candidates/their agents. • Verification of VVPAT paper slips shall be done in a VVPAT Counting Booth [VCB], specially prepared for this purpose inside the counting hall of the Returning Officer.

GENERAL ELECTIONS TO PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, 2021 MANDATORY VERIFICATION OF VVPAT PAPER SLIPS • One of the counting table can be converted into the VCB and can be used for normal counting of round-wise EVM votes before the count of VVPAT slips. • Verification of VVPAT paper slips shall be conducted sequentially, i.e., one after another.