Counting of votes for the 19 April Assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh commenced on Sunday morning under stringent three-tier security measures, with Central Paramilitary forces deployed in the first two tiers.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Pawan Kumar Sain announced that results for all 50 Assembly seats are expected by noon.
The five-year tenure of the outgoing 60-member Arunachal Pradesh Assembly expires on 2 June.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had already secured 10 seats unopposed.
On 19 April, voters concurrently elected representatives for the remaining 50 Assembly seats and the two Parliamentary seats of Arunachal West and Arunachal East.
The counting process started simultaneously at 6 AM across 24 counting centers, encompassing 48 counting halls in 24 districts.
Initial counting focused on postal ballots, followed by the counting of votes from Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
ECI Ensures Smooth Counting
The Election Commission appointed 27 observers and deployed over 2,000 officials for the counting, while an additional 489 micro-observers ensured smooth operations.
As per the latest updates, BJP candidates are leading in nine seats, including Kalaktang, Nacho, Namsai, Ziro-Hapoli, Along (West), Changlang (North), Changlang (South), Dambuk, and Kalaktang.
The National People’s Party (NPP) leads in Tawang and Dirang, the People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) leads in Tuting-Yingkiong, and an Independent candidate is ahead in Thrizino-Buragaon.
Prominent BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Pema Khandu from Mukto and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein from Chowkham, were among those elected unopposed.
The elections witnessed a high voter turnout, with 78% recorded in the Parliamentary polls and 83% in the Assembly elections.
A total of 133 candidates contested the 50 Assembly seats, while 14 candidates vied for the two Parliamentary constituencies.
The counting of votes for the Parliamentary seats will occur on 4 June, in alignment with the national schedule.
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