Results of the Assembly polls in five states are expected by noon on Friday when the counting of votes would start at 839 counting halls spread over Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
An elaborate three-tier security arrangement has been put in place for the exercise, which would start at 8 a.m. involving 43,982 officials and nearly 17,700 central security personnel.
“By early lunch”, was the response of the Chief Election Commissioner, Mr S.Y. Quraishi, when asked when the first result is expected of the keenly contested elections.
The entire exercise, which would decide the fate of several political heavyweights, would be videographed to prevent any malpractice, the CEC told presspersons.
“Efficient and secure arrangements are in place for counting and declaration of results”, he said, adding that a computer centre would be functional within the counting hall.
Mr Quraishi said that counting would take place in 142 counting halls in Assam, 140 in Kerala, 11 in Puducherry, 234 in Tamil Nadu and 312 in West Bengal.