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EC Finalizes Counting Arrangements for Mekhliganj Assembly Constituency

The Election Commission confirmed all preparations are complete for counting day on May 4 at Mekhliganj Higher Secondary School in Coochbehar district. Results for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry assembly elections will be announced. A three-tier security arrangement with QR code-based entry system has been implemented to ensure secure counting. Counting will begin at 8:00 am with postal ballots, followed by EVM counting at 8:30 am.

Key Points: EC Confirms Counting Day Preparations in Coochbehar

  • EC confirms counting arrangements at Mekhliganj Higher Secondary School
  • Results for five states/UTs to be announced May 4
  • Three-tier security with CAPF, state police, and local police
  • QR code-based entry system introduced for first time
2 min read

"All set for counting day": EC confirms arrangements at Mekhliganj Counting Centre in Coochbehar

Election Commission confirms all set for counting day on May 4 at Mekhliganj Higher Secondary School. Three-tier security, QR code entry system in place.

"All Set for Counting Day. Counting arrangements are all set at Mekhliganj Higher Secondary School, the designated counting centre for 1-Mekhliganj AC under Coochbehar district. - Election Commission"

Kolkata, May 3

The Election Commission on Sunday said that all preparations have been completed for the counting day scheduled on May 4 at the designated centre for Mekhliganj Assembly Constituency under Coochbehar district in West Bengal.

Results of the Assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry will be announced tomorrow.

In a post on X, the Election Commission stated, "All Set for Counting Day. Counting arrangements are all set at Mekhliganj Higher Secondary School, the designated counting centre for 1-Mekhliganj AC under Coochbehar district."

Ahead of the result day of the West Bengal assembly elections, security was heightened outside several strongrooms in Kolkata.

Heavy force was deployed outside the strongrooms in Kolkata, which included Sakhawat Memorial Government Girls' High School in Bhabanipur, Netaji Indoor Stadium, and several others.

Apart from managing the security of strongrooms, the security was also increased outside the Chief Electoral Officer's office and the Falta assembly constituency, where locals protested alleged threats and beatings by TMC leaders on Saturday.

The EC has directed repolling in all 285 polling stations, including auxiliary polling stations, in the Falta assembly seat between 7 AM and 6 PM on May 21. Counting of votes will take place on May 24.

Meanwhile, the EC has put in place a three-tier security arrangement along with a QR code-based entry system to ensure smooth and secure counting of votes for the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026, Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik said.

According to the Commission, a 100-metre security perimeter has been set up around each counting centre as the outermost layer, with police deployed to verify identity and conduct frisking. The second layer at entry gates will be secured by State Armed Police, while Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will guard counting halls and EVM strong rooms as the innermost layer. A total of 65 CAPF companies have been deployed across centres.

For the first time, the ECI has introduced a QR code-based Photo Identity Card system through ECINET to prevent unauthorised access. The system will be mandatory for all authorised personnel, including officials, candidates, agents, and staff.

Counting will begin at 8:00 am with postal ballots, followed by EVM counting at 8:30 am, with results updated in real time on ECINET and the official portal.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Three-tier security and QR codes - seems like EC is taking no chances. But what about the repolling in Falta? That sounds like a mess. Why did it take so long to order repoll? Common people are tired of this uncertainty.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see how the QR code system works. In US elections, we have similar electronic tracking but different issues. Hope this reduces human error or manipulation. Counting 5 states at once must be chaotic!
V
Vikram M
As someone from Coochbehar, I can tell you tensions are running high here. People just want the results to be accurate and peaceful. EC's arrangements look solid, but ground reality is different. Let's see what tomorrow brings. 🙏
K
Kavya N
One suggestion - EC should also consider live streaming the counting process if possible. That would build more trust among voters. The QR system is good but transparency is key. Also, 65 CAPF companies for Tamil Nadu alone seems overkill but better safe than sorry.
R
Rohit P
Remember the 2021 Bengal elections drama? EC has definitely stepped up its game this time. The QR code entry for counting personnel is a game changer. But I hope all parties accept results gracefully regardless of outcome. Democracy wins when everyone plays fair.
M
Michael C

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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