Stage set for counting of votes in Council polls today

All preparations have been made for the counting of votes in the elections to the from West Graduates Constituency of the Legislative Council on Tuesday.

Counting of votes will commence at the University of Agricultural Sciences in Dharwad at 8 a.m.

Since the election involves a preferential voting system, it is expected that counting will go on for more than one round and the official announcement of the final results can come late in the evening or at midnight.

The constituency covers Dharwad, Haveri, Gadag and Uttara Kannada districts. The elections were held on Friday. It recorded 75.62% voting.

For any candidate to win in the first round, securing 50% plus one first preference vote of the total valid votes is mandatory.

Out of the 97,400 voters, 73,658 have exercised their franchise.

There are 14 candidates in the fray, including BJP’s S.V. Sankanur, who won from the constituency in 2014 and 2020, Mohan Limbikai of the Congress and Independent Kanthkumar.

Regional Commissioner K.M. Janaki, who is the Returning Officer, visited the counting centre.

She said that counting will take place on 14 tables.

“To facilitate a smooth counting process, the Election Commission has appointed additional assistant returning officers. The strongroom will be opened at 7.55 a.m.,” she said.

Security has been tightened on UAS premises. Three-layered security arrangements have been made. CCTV cameras have been installed in the counting halls and strongrooms.

In all, 212 police personnel, including Assistant Commissioner of Police, Inspectors, Sub-Inspectors, Assistant Sub-Inspectors, head constables, constables and women head constables and police constables, have been deployed.