TN Chief Secretary reviews security ahead of May 4 counting of votes

Chennai, April 29 With the counting of votes for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled for May 4, a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar was held to assess security arrangements and preparedness across the state.

The meeting focused on ensuring strict adherence to protocols at counting centres and strengthening the multi-layered security framework already in place.

Senior officials, including Director General of Police Sandeep Rai Rathore, as well as the Chennai and Tambaram Police Commissioners and other senior officers, participated in the discussions.

Authorities reviewed deployment plans, access control measures, and surveillance mechanisms to ensure a smooth and incident-free counting process.

Tamil Nadu recorded a historic voter turnout of 85.10 per cent in the single-phase Assembly elections held on April 23 across all 234 constituencies.

The high polling percentage reflects strong voter participation and has set the stage for an intense counting day.

A total of 62 counting centres have been established across the state. Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units used during polling have been securely stored at these centres under tight security.

Officials said all locations are under round-the-clock police protection, with continuous monitoring systems in place to safeguard the machines.

The counting process will begin at 8 a.m. on May 4, starting with postal ballots. The counting of votes recorded in EVMs will commence at 8.30 a.m., as per Election Commission guidelines.

Authorities said elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure transparency, accuracy, and efficiency during the counting exercise. Officials also emphasised that a three-tier security system has been implemented at all counting centres, with restricted entry zones and regulated movement of personnel. Additional forces have been deployed at sensitive locations to prevent any disruption.

With preparations in the final stages, the Election Commission and the state administration expressed confidence that the counting process will be conducted in a secure, orderly, and transparent manner, ensuring the integrity of the electoral outcome.

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