As Kerala prepares for the counting of votes from the assembly elections held on April 9, Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar confirmed that 15,465 officials will be deployed across 140 counting centers in 43 locations. This includes 140 returning officers, 1,340 additional assistant returning officers, 4,208 micro observers, 4,208 counting supervisors, and 5,563 counting assistants. To maintain law and order during the counting process, 32,301 police personnel will be stationed throughout the state. The preliminary polling figures indicate a turnout of 79.70%, with 20,028 of the 53,984 postal ballots issued to service voters returned by May 1. Kelkar noted that the final turnout will be confirmed once the Election Commission of India releases the Index Card. Postal ballots will be counted first, followed by votes from electronic voting machines (EVMs). To enhance security, a QR code-based photo identity card system will be introduced to prevent unauthorized access to counting centers. The model code of conduct will remain in effect until May 6 unless the Election Commission decides otherwise.