On February 8, 2025, the counting of votes for the Delhi Assembly elections will take place, with heightened security measures and operational adjustments implemented by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to facilitate travel for election officials and staff. Delhi Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) R Alice Vaz announced the preparations, stating, "Scrutiny of election documents was completed today by returning officers of all 70 Assembly constituencies... All election-related documents were found to be proper." Over 5,000 staff members will support the counting process, ensuring transparency and security across the various polling stations.
The electronic voting machines (EVMs) have been securely stored in 70 strongrooms located at 19 different sites throughout Delhi. Vaz noted there would be no need for any repolling, as no complaints were registered by the candidates following the document scrutiny. This thorough process promotes confidence among the stakeholders involved, demonstrating the commitment to free and fair elections.
A significant level of security surrounds the EVMs, established through three-tier security, including the presence of the Central Armed Paramilitary Forces and state police. Vigilant monitoring is ensured through 24/7 CCTV coverage of the strongrooms, allowing representatives from participating candidates to verify these security measures continuously. "They are also granted periodic access to the inner perimeter... to observe, verify, and be assured of the security measures in place," confirmed Vaz.
Not only is the election process being carefully monitored, but transportation logistics are also being prioritized. The DMRC has announced special arrangements for metro services on the day of voting. According to DMRC, "On the day of vote counting on February 8, Delhi Metro train services on all lines will start from their terminal stations at 4 AM so staff deployed for election duty can avail the facility." This decision is aimed at ensuring timely and efficient travel for the election officials, allowing them to reach their designated locations without delay.
Further adjustments include extending metro services for officials returning late after their duties on February 5 and 6. Specific lines have had their last Metro service timings extended, such as the Red Line operating until 12 AM and the Violet Line until 1 AM. The changes will help accommodate election staff effectively, promoting participation and diligence during these significant days. Regular commuters will not experience disruptions, as the DMRC is maintaining its standard train schedules outside these extended hours.
To alleviate the impact of commute times on election day, trains will run every 30 minutes until 6:00 AM, ensuring staff members have access to reliable transportation. Once the morning rush has passed, services will revert to their usual frequency for the day.
The combination of expanded services and enhanced security measures reflects the collaborative efforts between the Election Commission and the DMRC. This ensures not only the smooth functioning of the electoral process but also guarantees the safety and efficiency of the transport system serving those integral to the elections.
Overall, the preparations for the Delhi Assembly elections demonstrate a commitment to security and convenience for all participants. With effective measures established for both counting and transportation, the stage is set for what promises to be smooth electoral proceedings. R Alice Vaz's proactive approach, combined with the DMRC's operational adjustments, promises to create an environment conducive to efficient vote counting and confirm the integrity of the democratic process.