Complete counting arrangements by 7th March: Poll panel

The Election Commission has directed the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) in the five poll-bound states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa and Punjab to complete arrangements regarding counting of votes by March 7.

According to an official statement, the poll panel also wanted fool-proof security at all 157 counting centres, reports IANS. The scheduled date for for the counting of votes in all the five poll-bound states is March 11. Among the 157 counting centres, Uttar Pradesh has 75 centres, Punjab 53, Uttarakhand 15, Manipur 12 and Goa 2.

The entire process of counting, that includes the movement of EVMs, will be filmed. Voting for seventh and final round of polling in Uttar Pradesh will take place on March 8. The North-Eastern state of Manipur also goes for voting on March 8.