Counting in Delhi: 8.2 million votes, 2,000 EVMs, 150 candidates

New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) Counting of 8.2 million votes in Delhi will be done at seven counting centres where more than 7,000 security personnel drawn from Delhi Police and seven companies of a paramilitary force will be on duty, said a Delhi Election Commission official.

A total of 2,000 electronic voting machines (EVM) have been under guard since balloting took place April 10. A total of 150 candidates, including 57 independents, contested the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi. An estimated 10,000 officials will be involved in the counting process.

Of the 12.7 million electorate, 8.2 million voted in Delhi.

According to official sources, the paramilitary staff will be deployed inside the counting centres while Delhi Police will keep a watch outside. The counting of votes will begin at 8 a.m.

The counting centres are located at Aryabhatt Polytechnic at Ashok Vihar, ITI at Nand Nagari, the Commonwealth Games Village in east Delhi, NP Bengali Girls Senior Secondary School at Gole Market, Delhi Technological University at Bawana, Integrated Institute of Technology at Dwarka and Jijabai Industrial Training Institute for Women at Gulmohar Park.

According to another official, no one would be allowed to enter the counting centre with telephone or any electronic gadget. A dedicated room has been prepared for the media at the counting centres.

The Election Commission has advised political parties to appoint mature persons aged 18 years or more as counting agents.