Counting for AP by-polls tomorrow

The first result is expected from Narsapuram Assembly segment in West Godavari district where the counting process will be completed in 12 rounds, according to state Chief Electoral Officer Bhanwar Lal.

"There will be 13 counting centres in all in the 12 districts where by-polls were held. As many as 3,000 personnel are being used for the counting process in all the centres and a three-corridor security arrangements are being put in place," Bhanwar Lal told newsmen after reviewing the arrangements with the district Collectors, Superintendents of Police and returning officers through a video conference this evening.

While the minimum number of counting rounds was 12, the maximum would be 19 going by the number of voters in the respective segments.

In all 79.69 per cent polling was recorded on an average in the by-elections.

"We can't say exactly when the first result will be declared but we hope the total results will be announced by 3 pm, with the Nellore Lok Sabha segment expected to take a longer time," the CEO said.

Mobile phones have been totally barred inside the counting centres.