Karnataka, May 24 (ANI): Repolling has begun in Karnataka at four polling stations one each in Shorapur, Yadagir , Shahapur and Chithapur constituencies of Gulbarga this morning.
Repolling at two polling stations was necessitated due to a snag in the Electronic Voting Machines and in two other polling centres as mandatory procedure for the polling was not followed in the last phase of elections. The counting of votes will be taken up on 25th May. The counting is scheduled to start at 48 centres from 8AM, the trends will start trickling in around 1030 hrs. Results of all the 224 Assembly constituencies are expected by 3PM.
For the first time in the country new software is being used to enable declaration of results at the state headquarters. All the counting centres across the state have been networked and linked to the statewide area network.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made for the smooth conduct of counting. Nearly one hundred companies of central Para military forces have been deployed.

Micro Observers along with central observers have been deployed to monitor the counting process closely. Persons with criminal background are not being permitted inside the counting centers.

According to the state election authorities about 65 per cent of the electorate exercised franchise in the three-phase of elections. Polling was held for 69 seats spread over eight districts.

Prominent contestants in this phase are state unit JDS President Merajuddin Patel, former Ministers A B Patil, Gurupadappa Nagamarpally, Ajay Kumar Sarnayak,H K Patil, Baburao Chinchansoor and Baburao Chavan (All Cong), Jagadish Shettar and Appu Pattan Shetty (BJP).
The first phase of polling in 89 constituencies in 11 districts was conducted on 10th May and the second phase on 16th May across ten districts covering 66 constituencies. (ANI)