The counting of votes for assembly elections in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh has begun. The counting started at 8 AM and results are expected by noon. While in Gujarat, polling was held in two phases on December 9 and 14, Himachal Pradesh went to polls in a single phase on November 9.
In Gujarat, counting is taking place at 37 centres amidst tight security. Over 68 per cent polling was recorded in the two-phase elections. The total voter turnout this time has seen a dip of 2 per cent, as compared to the 2012 polls when 71 per cent polling was registered. 1,828 candidates were in the fray for a total of 182 seats. EVM polling data is being compared with VVPAT paper slips in one polling station of all 182 assembly constituencies. 33 control rooms have been set up and more than 30,000 personnel have been deployed to monitor the counting process. Prominent candidates include CM Vijay Rupani, Deputy CM Nitin Patel, senior Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil, and young leaders Alpesh Thakore and Jignesh Mevani. While the BJP is seeking a sixth straight term in office in the state, the Congress is aiming to stage a comeback in power after being in the opposition for over two decades. The results are expected to have a bearing on the 2019 parliamentary polls as well.
In Himachal Pradesh, the counting for all 68 assembly seats is being held at 42 centres. 2,820 officers including 940 micro-observers have been deployed for the purpose. The counting is being supervised by 68 returning officers, one in every constituency. Web-casting, videography and CCTVs are being used at all counting stations. The election department has made three-tier security arrangements at counting centers and no one will be allowed to carry mobile phones. Highest ever polling of 75 percent was recorded to elect 13th state assembly.
