Tight security for counting of votes in Bihar

Patna:  As all eyes are focused on result of Bihar elections, elaborate security arrangements have been made for Sunday for counting of votes at 39 centres across Bihar polled in the five-phased assembly elections, officials said on Saturday.

According to sources from Bihar's chief electoral officer's office, counting of votes polled for 243 assembly seats will begin at 8 a.m. and the first trends will be available from 9 a.m. onwards.

"The first result is expected after 11 a.m. The entire process is likely to be completed by 5 p.m.", said State's Additional Chief Electoral Officer R. Lakshmanan.

One observer would be posted at each counting centre to oversee the process, the officer said.

According to the Election Commission, around 60 percent of the over 66.8 million voters exercised their franchise to decide the fate of 3,450 candidates, including 272 women.

A record turnout of women voters was witnessed in all five phases.
Source: IANS