ECI deploys massive security for counting today

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday said all arrangements were in place for counting of votes on May 4, as the country awaits results for assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry, along with the Koridang Assembly Constituency by-election in Nagaland.
In a statement, the poll body said counting centres across all states and the Union Territory have been secured with multi-layered security, regulated entry points and strict protocols to ensure a smooth and transparent process. Officials said personnel have been deployed and real-time monitoring systems activated, reflecting a nationwide exercise at scale.
Counting will begin with postal ballots at 8 am, followed by counting of votes recorded in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) from 8.30 am. Authorities have put in place strict access control, surveillance and monitoring measures to prevent disruptions and maintain credibility amid heightened political activity.
In West Bengal, strongrooms and sensitive locations have been fortified, with heavy deployment outside EVM storage centres.
Assam has enforced a three-tier security system, with counting to be conducted across multiple tables and dedicated teams handling verification and tabulation. Kerala has streamlined arrangements in line with ECI guidelines, while Tamil Nadu has set up one of the largest operations with 62 counting centres secured under a three-tier system and around 1.25 lakh personnel deployed. Puducherry has also finalised arrangements with similar security protocols.
Koridang by-poll counting: Meanwhile, in Nagaland, all preparations have been completed for counting of votes for the Koridang Assembly Constituency by-election in Mokokchung district.
The bypoll was necessitated following the demise of sitting BJP MLA Imkong L. Imchen. Polling held on April 9 recorded a voter turnout of 82.21%, with 18,400 of 22,382 electors casting their votes across 30 polling stations.
Six candidates are in the fray, including BJP nominee Daochier I. Imchen, Congress candidate T. Chalukumba Ao, NPP’s I. Abenjang, and Independent candidates Imchatoba Imchen, Imtiwapang and Toshikaba.
Returning Officer Nockpai Konyak said the counting centre at the Deputy Commissioner’s office has been fully prepared with designated tables for counting personnel, observers and agents to ensure transparency. Counting will begin at 8 am across 10 tables in three rounds.
Elaborate security arrangements have been made in view of election-related violence reported earlier. Multi-layer security deployment, CCTV surveillance and strict access control will be enforced. EVMs, stored under round-the-clock security, will be opened in the presence of candidates or their authorised agents, in accordance with ECI guidelines.
Officials said counting personnel have been trained and all protocols put in place to ensure accuracy. Results are expected by the afternoon.