Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Navdeep Rinwa on Sunday directed officials to ensure comprehensive arrangements, including round-the-clock CCTV surveillance and videography, as well as an uninterrupted power supply, for counting votes polled in the biennial elections to 11 Legislative Council constituencies.Reviewing preparations via video conference with returning officers and assistant returning officers, Rinwa stressed strict compliance with Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines.He directed officials to ensure adequate security at counting centres, install CCTV cameras and arrange videography to monitor the process.The CEO also instructed officials to coordinate with the power department to prevent disruptions and arrange generator backup. Generators must be placed where they will not cause noise or pollution at the counting centres.Rinwa emphasised the need to train counting personnel and make timely arrangements for counting tables, statutory forms and other essential materials.He also directed officials to appoint counting agents for all candidates according to prescribed procedures, issue them photo identity cards and provide adequate seating.All returning officers were instructed to monitor preparations closely and ensure the counting was peaceful, smooth and timely.
