The first phase of the randomisation process for counting staff began on Wednesday at Ripon Building, ahead of the Lok Sabha election results. A total of 1,433 counting staff have been appointed for three constituencies in Chennai.District Election Officer and Corporation Commissioner J Radhakrishnan announced that the returning officers will oversee the counting process scheduled for June 4 (Tuesday). The first phase of training for the officers involved in the counting process commenced, involving 1,433 staff members. This includes 357 micro observers with a 20% reserve, 374 supervisors, 380 counting assistants, and 322 office assistants.
“Fourteen counting tables have been provided for each of the three constituencies, except Shollinganallur, which has 30 tables due to the highest number of polling stations,” Radhakrishnan stated.
Additionally, 47 assistant election officers have been appointed to aid in the counting process. Security measures include 1,384 security guards, 922 CCTV cameras, and 44 TVs in the counting centres at Queen Maryās College, Loyola College, and Anna University. Enhanced police arrangements ensure that only eligible individuals are permitted inside the centres. The counting is set to commence at 8 am on Tuesday.
The second phase of randomisation will take place on June 3 (Monday) around 8 am, with another phase in the evening. The final randomisation will be conducted at 5 am on the counting day at the respective centres.
Radhakrishnan noted, “The maximum number of rounds are expected in the north and south constituencies, particularly in Egmore, Royapuram Harbour, and Shollinganallur. The returning officers for the three constituencies will oversee the entire counting process, and the staff have been briefed accordingly.”