A resurgent Congress appeared headed for a simple majority in Karnataka, and on course to wrest power from the BJP in a morale-boosting victory ahead of next year's Lok Sabha elections.
Time & place fixed by Returning Officer (RO).
Only RO, counting staff, candidates and/or counting agents, public servants on duty, authorised EC personnel allowed inside.
Only official video camera allowed in counting hall.
EVMs and ballot paper inspected by the RO.
RO can reject EVMs raising tampering suspicion, doubtful ballot papers.
After completion of one round results recorded in a control unit.
Unit sealed by RO.
Counting usually finished in one stretch.
In case of an interval, RO seals all the important docs and machines with his own seal.
A candidate can request for a recount. Final decision rests with RO.
Following resolution of any discrepancy, RO seeks observer's clearance & announces result.
RO reports result to EC and appropriate authority.