Telangana Municipal Elections: Counting of votes begins amid glitches

Counting of municipal election votes began across 123 centres amid minor glitches, including a strong room key mix-up in Huzurabad and a power outage in Sangareddy, following a 73.01 percent voter turnout

Hyderabad: The counting of votes polled in the municipal elections commenced on Friday amid a few glitches at different places across the State. A polling percentage of 73.01 was recorded in the elections, with 38,09,406 votes polled in 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations.

The counting process began in the Urban Local Bodies, though minor disruptions were reported at a few counting centres.

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At Huzurabad, polling officials reportedly misplaced the keys to the strong room where the ballot boxes were stored. Despite searching for the keys, they were unable to locate them.

As candidates and polling agents grew restless, officials sought police assistance. In the presence of election officials, candidates and polling agents, the police broke open the lock and opened the doors. The ballot boxes were then shifted to the counting centre and the counting process commenced, reports said.

In Sangareddy, a power cut at a counting centre caused tension among candidates and officials. The incident occurred at the centre set up in Tara College. As election officials, candidates, polling agents and police assembled to begin the counting process, there was a sudden disruption in power supply.

Due to darkness at the centre, officials did not begin the counting. As per procedure, counting of postal ballot votes was to commence first, but the exercise was delayed because of the power cut, according to reports.

A total of 123 counting centres have been set up across the State. Counting commenced at 8 am at the designated centres.

Adequate security arrangements have been made to maintain peace and order. Only Counting Supervisors, Counting Assistants, candidates, their election agents and counting agents were permitted inside the counting halls, officials said.

Mobile phones and electronic gadgets have been prohibited inside the counting halls. Webcasting arrangements were made at all counting centres and outside strong rooms.