Fri Feb 07 09:44:55 UTC 2025: ## Delhi Election Results Expected Saturday; BJP Challenges AAP’s Decade-Long Rule
**New Delhi, February 7** – Delhiites will know the fate of their next government on Saturday, February 8th, as vote counting commences following the February 5th elections. The incumbent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, seeks to retain power after a decade in office, highlighting its “Delhi Model” of improved healthcare and education. Their main challenger, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is hoping to capitalize on allegations of corruption against Kejriwal. While exit polls predicted a BJP victory, their accuracy remains uncertain.
The counting process, overseen by Returning Officers (ROs) and monitored by CCTV cameras and videography, is rigorously controlled. Only authorized personnel, including counting staff, ROs, security, and polling agents (who remain until completion), are permitted in counting centers.
Counting begins at 7 am with the opening of strongroom seals by the RO and Election Commission observers. Postal ballots are counted first at 8 am, followed by Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) 30 minutes later. The process involves meticulous verification of seals, unique IDs, and vote tallies displayed on EVMs. In case of EVM malfunction, Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips are used. Form 17C, documenting the results, requires signatures from the counting supervisor and all polling agents. Random VVPAT verification from five polling stations per constituency is mandatory.
Tie-breakers are resolved via a lottery system, and recounts can be requested if irregularities are suspected. Following the announcement, EVMs are stored securely for 45 days. The meticulous process aims to ensure the integrity and transparency of the election results.
First Piper 