The Election Commission of India (ECI) is getting ready to count a whopping 5,39,189 postal ballot votes in Andhra Pradesh. The highest number of these votes, 38,865, were cast in Srikakulam district. Nandyal district followed with 25,283 votes, Kadapa district with 24,918 votes, and Narasapuram with the lowest count of 15,320 votes.
Counting arrangements are being made according to the number of postal votes. Tables will be set up for counting in each Lok Sabha constituency, with instructions sent to returning officers on how to proceed.
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has asked the ECI to allow counting of ballots even without the returning officer’s seal on the back. The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) verbally agreed to consider such ballots without a signature, but the TDP is seeking written confirmation.
If the decision is in favor of the TDP, ballots without certain signatures or seals will still be counted. This has caused confusion within the ruling Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) due to the large number of postal ballots and logistical issues during the counting process.
