Kolkata: The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, has announced detailed arrangements for the counting of votes for the 2026 West Bengal Legislative Assembly bye-elections in Rejinagar (AC 70) and Nandigram (AC 210). Counting is scheduled for October 9.
According to the press note issued on October 8, counting will be conducted at one venue in each constituency, with two EVM counting halls and 15 counting rounds at both locations.
Rejinagar Counting Arrangements
For 70-Rejinagar Assembly Constituency, counting will be held at Berhampore Girls College.
- Counting venue: 1
- EVM counting halls: 2
- Counting rounds: 15
- Postal Ballot/ETPB counting hall: 1
- Counting Observer: 1
Nandigram Counting Arrangements
For 210-Nandigram Assembly Constituency, counting will take place at Kabi Sukanta Secondary Teacher’s Training Institute and its annexed building.
- Counting venue: 1
- EVM counting halls: 2
- Counting rounds: 15
- Postal Ballot/ETPB counting hall: 1
- Counting Observer: 1
Three-Tier Security Around Counting Centres
The Election Office has outlined a three-tier security cordon at both counting venues.
The first tier will cover a 100-metre pedestrian zone around the campus, where vehicles will not be permitted. Entry will be subject to identity verification and ECI pass checks, with an Executive Magistrate posted at the entrance.
At the second tier, State Armed Police personnel will conduct frisking at the counting premises gate and prevent prohibited items and electronic devices from being carried inside.
The third security layer will be at the entrance to the counting hall, where Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will conduct frisking and ensure that mobile phones and other prohibited items do not enter the hall.
Strict Identity Verification
No person will be allowed inside the counting hall without valid authorisation. Officials and authorised personnel will need the required ECI authority letter, photo identity card issued by the DEO/RO or an ECI media pass.
Counting agents will have to produce their Form 18 appointment letter along with the photo identity card issued by the Returning Officer.
The Election Commission has also introduced a QR-code-based photo card module on ECINET for verification of officials and agents involved in the counting process.
Movement Inside Counting Halls Restricted
The CEO’s office said movement inside the counting halls will be strictly regulated. No person will be allowed to enter or leave a counting hall without the permission of the Returning Officer.
Counting agents will remain seated at their allotted tables. Only the candidate, election agent or one designated counting agent will be permitted to move across different counting tables.
The movement of Control Units (CUs) and VVPATs from strong rooms to counting halls will also take place through designated, barricaded routes, with no unauthorised person allowed to cross these paths.
Postal Ballots to Be Counted First
The counting process will begin with Postal Ballots and Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) votes in a separate hall.
EVM counting will begin 30 minutes after postal ballot counting starts. Control Units will be brought to the counting tables in the serial order of polling stations, where paper seal integrity will be verified before the Result button is pressed and votes are recorded.
Round-wise results will be entered in Form 17C Part-II, with counting agents signing the relevant records.
Mobile Phones and Electronic Devices Banned
Mobile phones will generally not be permitted inside the counting halls. Other electronic devices such as iPads, laptops and devices capable of recording audio or video will also be prohibited, except for officially authorised equipment and specified officials.
A separate media centre will be available outside the counting halls, equipped with telephone, computer, printer and internet facilities. Authorised media personnel will be permitted to use mobile phones in the media centre.
Result Declaration After Observer’s Approval
After counting is completed, the Returning Officer will obtain written authorisation from the Election Commission’s Observer before declaring the result.
The RO will complete Form 20, obtain the required No Objection Certificate from the Observer and formally announce the winning candidate.
EVMs to Be Sealed After Counting
Following the counting process, power packs will be removed from the Control Units before the EVMs are placed back in their carrying cases and sealed.
The seals will carry the signatures of the RO, ARO and candidates or their counting agents as applicable. The polled EVMs will subsequently be kept in the district strong room.
The Election Office said EVMs will remain in safe custody until the Election Petition period is over. If an election petition is filed, the EVMs will remain in the custody of the DEO until final disposal by the court. VVPATs will be stored separately at a designated warehouse.
Public Interest: The detailed arrangements are intended to regulate access, ensure secure movement and counting of EVMs, and maintain proper documentation at every stage of the counting process.
