Indian-controlled Kashmir finalizes arrangements for Friday's vote counting

Authorities in Indian-controlled Kashmir Thursday finalized arrangements and security measures in and around the counting centres ahead of counting of votes for India's 16th general elections in the restive region.

The counting of votes is scheduled on Friday across India and will start at 8:00 a.m. (local time) and is likely to be completed by 5:00 p.m.

"Adequate security measures of counting halls and strong rooms which contain the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have been been made as per election commission guidelines to facilitate a hassle free counting across the region," a senior official said."People carrying passes issued by election commission will be allowed only inside counting centres."

Officials said the counting will be carried under video surveillance inside the designated.

"The entire counting process will be video-graphed for the first time in the state besides being monitored strictly by government of India appointed General Election Observers and micro observers attached to each counting table," Umang Narulla, the Chief Electoral Officer told a local newsgathering agency.

Indian-controlled Kashmir sends six members to the India parliament.

India's official broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) quoting election officials said first counting of postal ballots would be carried out followed by EVMs across 989 centres set across India.

The results would elect a 543 members from nearly 8000 contestants for lower house of Indian parliament known as Lok Sabha .

In India's 543-strong parliament, a party or coalition needs at least 272 seats to form government Election in India this year witnessed a voter turnout at 66.38 per cent, a record so far in country's history.

Officials said trends will be available by 11:00 a.m.

Exit polls have predicted a big win for the country's main opposition right-wing Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP) led National Democratic Alliance and defeat for the ruling Congress party- led United Progressive Alliance.

Political analysts warn that exit polls in India have often proved to be wrong in the past.

In the elections the Congress party sought to regain power under leadership of Rahul Gandhi the fourth generation scion of India's powerful Nehru-Gandhi clan. He is facing Narendra Modi, the prime ministerial nominee of BJP.