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ECINET Counting Center Security: The Election Commission of India has increased security at the counting centres. To ensure that no untoward incident or tampering of EVMs takes place, an identity card system based on QR code has been introduced.

To eliminate the possibility of any unauthorized person entering the counting centres, the Election Commission of India has launched QR code-based photo identity card module on ECINET.

The counting of votes for the general elections to the Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry and by-elections to 7 assembly constituencies of 5 states will begin on May 4, 2026. This system will also be implemented in all future general elections and by-elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.

Three-tier security system set up

This initiative is in continuation of the series of over 30 initiatives taken by the Election Commission of India in the last one year, including the introduction of standardized QR code-based photo identity cards for BLOs.

A three-tier security system has been set up for identity verification at the counting centres. At the first and second level, the photo identity card issued by the RO will be verified by the security personnel themselves. In the third security circle and nearest to the counting hall, entry will be allowed only after successful verification by scanning the QR code.

These persons will get identity card

These new QR code-based photo identity cards will be applicable to those categories of persons who have been authorized by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to enter the counting centers and halls. These include Returning Officer, Assistant Returning Officer, counting staff, technical personnel, candidates, polling agents and counting agents etc.

For the convenience of authorized media persons, a media center will be set up near the counting room in all voting centres. Entry of media persons will continue on the basis of authorization letter issued by the Commission as per the existing orders of the Commission.

Deploying trained personnel at check points

District Election Officers and Returning Officers have been directed to make all necessary arrangements for effective implementation of this system, including deployment of trained personnel at designated check points to ensure smooth and safe entry control.

All Chief Electoral Officers, District Electoral Officers, Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers have been directed to ensure strict adherence to these instructions to maintain the highest standards of transparency, security and efficiency in the counting process.