Amid heatwave, EC’s dos and don’ts for counting day

The EC Sunday said the voter turnout after seven phases of polling in Uttar Pradesh was 56.09 per cent, a drop of 2.19 percentage points from the 2019 turnout of 59.11 per cent.

heatwave, EC Guidelines, Election Commission, indian express news

The poll panel has also laid emphasis on special arrangements that would be made at the counting centres for poll personnel. (File [Photo)

The Election Commission (EC) on Sunday issued a set of guidelines of “dos and don’ts” that need to followed by the counting officials amid the intense heatwave sweeping the state.

The poll panel has also laid emphasis on special arrangements that would be made at the counting centres for poll personnel.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Navdeep Rinwa said District Election Officers have been instructed to give special emphasis on the heat advisory so that counting personnel do not face problems.

“Counting officials have been advised to wear light cotton cloths and cover their heads with a cotton towel or cap. Instructions have been given to the District Election Officers to make arrangements for adequate ORS (oral rehydration solution) sachets and medical kits at the counting centers. Medical teams will also be deployed to give immediate medical attention to the counting officials,” the CEO said.

Meanwhile, instructions have also been sent to make arrangements for fans, coolers and mist fans at the seating areas of candidates, their agents, counting personnel as well as other employees during counting.

2.19 percentage point drop in voter turnout

The EC Sunday said the voter turnout after seven phases of polling in Uttar Pradesh was 56.09 per cent, a drop of 2.19 percentage points from the 2019 turnout of 59.11 per cent.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram