Have You Ever Wonder ! How Votes Are Counted In BMC Elections
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election is one of the largest and most closely watched local body elections in India. With millions of voters spread across Mumbai’s wards, the process of counting votes is carried out with strict procedures to ensure transparency, accuracy, and fairness. Here is a clear look at how votes are counted in a BMC election.
Voting System Used
BMC elections are conducted using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) . Each voter casts a vote for a candidate contesting from their respective municipal ward. Every ward elects one corporator to represent it in the civic body.
Sealing and Storage of EVMs
Once polling ends, the EVMs are sealed in the presence of polling agents and election officials. These sealed machines are then transported under tight security to designated strong rooms, where they are stored until counting day. CCTV surveillance and police protection are maintained round the clock to prevent any tampering.
Counting Day Preparations
On the day of counting, only authorized officials, candidates, and their counting agents are allowed inside the counting centers. Before counting begins, officials verify the seals on the EVMs to ensure they remain intact. Any discrepancy is immediately recorded and addressed as per Election Commission guidelines.
Counting of Votes
Votes are counted ward-wise. The EVMs are connected to a control unit that displays the total number of votes secured by each candidate. The process is conducted in multiple rounds if required, especially in large wards with many polling booths. Each round’s data is recorded and shared with candidates’ representatives.
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Role of Election Officials
Trained election officials oversee the entire counting process. Observers appointed by the State Election Commission monitor proceedings to ensure compliance with election rules. If a candidate raises objections, they are noted and resolved according to established procedures.
Declaration of Results
After all votes are counted and verified, the Returning Officer officially declares the winner for each ward. The candidate with the highest number of votes is declared elected as the corporator. Results are then compiled to determine the overall party-wise strength in the BMC.
Transparency and Credibility
To maintain public trust, the counting process is designed to be transparent. Candidates can request recounts under specific conditions, though such requests must be justified and approved by election authorities.
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The vote-counting process in BMC elections reflects a structured and secure system aimed at upholding democratic values. Through careful planning, strict security, and transparent procedures, election authorities ensure that the mandate of Mumbai’s voters is accurately reflected in the final results.