Morena: State Election Commission bans use of mobile phones inside counting halls

Morena (Madhya Pradesh): To avoid controversy related to the vote counting process, the State Election Commission has banned mobile phones inside the counting rooms during the counting of votes for the urban body general elections. According to the commission officials, the use of mobile phones during the counting of votes for the urban bodies may hinder the counting work and there is a possibility of breach of confidentiality. Therefore, the use of cell phones in the counting room premises has been completely banned.

The observers appointed by the Commission for election supervision will be free from the above restriction so that they remain in constant touch with the officials of Commission.

In a letter issued by Rakesh Singh, Secretary, MP State Election Commission, it is mentioned that during the entry of the contesting candidate and his election agent at the counting place, if any candidate or his election agent or counting agent brings mobile phone at the counting place, he should not be allowed to enter. In this regard, instructions have been given in advance to inform all the candidates, recognised political parties. Arrangements have already been made by the District Election Officer and the officers related to the counting of votes to set up a telephone room near the counting place to remain in communication with the commission officials.