Election dept, police get set for counting day

SHILLONG: After the high-intensity campaigning and the crucial polling, the state is now anxiously waiting for Saturday when the fate of the 361 candidates will be decided, besides the political fabric of Meghalaya will be rewoven with the presence of a mightier BJP this time.
Chief Electoral Officer FR Kharkongor said preparations for Saturday’s counting are almost over.
A visit to the counting centre at Polo Grounds on Thursday revealed that preparations are on for the big day. While security personnel stood guard outside the strong room cleaners were seen busy making the vicinity presentable.
EVMs for as many as 15 constituencies will be taken up for counting at JN Sports Complex, Polo. Of these, eight will be counted at a place arranged at the Badminton Court and the remaining at Dalang Complex.
In addition, there will be counting of two seats each in Mairang and Sohra and the district police have made elaborate security arrangement for this.
“We will have a three-tier security system in the counting centres,” East Khasi Hills SP Davis Marak said.
The city police have deployed additional force in sensitive areas, including Polo, to avert law and order problem.
Parking space
Police have also made arrangements for parking of vehicles.The Polo Parking Lot (bus station) and the 2nd Field, Polo Grounds, will be for vehicles belonging to candidates, supporters and the public.
In addition, the stretch from Vilco School Junction to the rear gate of Polo Grounds will be a ‘No Entry’ zone. Only vehicles belonging to observers, police and election officials will be allowed to enter from the VIP gate and the rear gate.
West Jaintia Hills SP Vivek Syiem, in a statement to the media, said the road from DC junction to Iong Dkhar Park till the DC Office Rear Road will be closed. A similar three-tier security system will be implemented in Jowai.