Mumbai, Maharashtra โ The upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections are already heating up, not just with political alliances, but with a significant change in how votes will be counted. This new, phased approach has become a major point of discussion and concern among candidates and political parties ahead of the crucial 2026 civic polls.
New Phased Counting Method for BMC Election Results
Unlike previous elections, where vote counting happened simultaneously across all 227 electoral wards, the BMC has announced a different strategy for this cycle. Instead of counting votes from all wards at once, the process will now be staggered. Each of the 23 returning officers will oversee approximately 10 wards, but counting will only take place for a maximum of two wards at any given time. This means that across Mumbai, votes from no more than 46 wards will be tallied simultaneously.
Official Rationale: Efficiency and Focus
Officials from the BMC have explained that this revised method aims to make the vote counting process more efficient. They believe that by focusing all available human resources on just two wards at a time, the counting can be completed faster and with greater accuracy. This approach, they suggest, will streamline operations and prevent the spread of resources too thinly.
Candidates Express Strong Concerns Over Delays
Despite the official reasoning, many BMC election candidates have voiced serious apprehensions regarding the new phased counting plan. A primary worry is that this method will significantly delay the declaration of results for many wards. This could mean that early trends for all seats will not emerge quickly on Friday morning when counting begins, leaving candidates and the public in suspense for longer periods.
Voices from the Political Arena
- Vishakha Raut (Shiv Sena UBT): A seasoned former corporator, Raut expressed her dismay, noting that her ward (191) falls under RO 19 and is scheduled to be counted last. "What was the necessity to alter the established system?" she questioned. "Simultaneous counting fostered excitement, and everyone wanted immediate results. This change is puzzling."
- Ameet Satam (BJP MLA): The Mumbai BJP unit president acknowledged the administrative nature of the decision but suggested that a simultaneous count would have been more effective. "It could have been finished in one go," Satam commented, implying the phased approach might prolong the process.
- Aslam Shaikh (Congress MLA): Shaikh, representing Malad, went further, suggesting potential manipulation. "Phased counting was entirely uncalled for. Why are some wards being pushed to the very end? Authorities have followed a consistent pattern for years. Why the sudden alteration now?" he asked, hinting at ulterior motives.
Counting Day Logistics and New Technology Update
Once voting concludes on January 15, all Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be securely stored in two strongrooms located in Vikroli and Kandivli. On the designated counting day, Friday, these EVMs will be transported back to the 23 respective returning officer offices where the counting will occur. The standard procedure involves connecting the control unit with the ballot unit to tally the votes recorded on the machines.
Introducing PADUs for EVM Glitches
In a significant technological enhancement, the BMC civic polls will see the deployment of Printing Auxiliary Display Units (PADUs) for the first time. These units are designed to act as a crucial backup in case technical difficulties arise with EVMs during counting, even after the control and ballot units are connected. The PADUs will ensure that the counting process can continue smoothly without interruption due to machine glitches.
A total of 140 PADUs, supplied by Bharat Electronics Limited, have been acquired and will be readily available with returning officers for emergency use. This measure aims to bolster the integrity and efficiency of the vote counting, minimizing any potential delays caused by technical issues.
