The highly anticipated vote counting for the Nuapada Assembly by-election commenced this morning. Following the opening of the postal ballots at 8 am, the counting of votes from the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) began 30 minutes later.
The counting is taking place at the designated centre, utilizing 14 tables for the 358 booths. A total of 26 rounds of counting are scheduled, with results announced after each round. Senior officials, including the state Chief Electoral Officer, are closely monitoring the entire process.
To ensure transparency and security, each counting table is manned by a Counting Supervisor, Assistant, and Observer. The entire exercise is being conducted under a strict three-tier security system, with earlier inspections of the EVMs and VVPAT machines in the strong room completed successfully.