EC to restrict number of ballots counted in each room

The Election Commission has decided to halve the number of votes to be counted at a single counting room, an official said yesterday.

There are separate counting rooms at one centre. Under normal circumstances, a counting room is dedicated for around 12,000 voters. For counting and related work, a staff of 40 is deployed.

However, an official of the Election Commission said one counting-room would be reserved for counting ballots of 6,000 voters this time due to health guidelines to be followed in respect of COVID-19.

Also, he said the staff would also be reduced at each counting room. A political party or an independent group can deploy two counting agents each this time.

Counting will commence only the following day after voting this time.  (Kelum Bandara)