Bihar: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar today announced the implementation of 17 new initiatives for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, stating that these measures are intended to both streamline the state’s electoral process and serve as potential models for future nationwide implementation.
CEC Gyanesh Kumar launches 17 new reforms ahead of Bihar polls
Concluding his visit to Bihar, the CEC addressed the media, outlining the comprehensive reforms. “17 new initiatives have been successfully implemented in Bihar, some will be implemented in the conduct of elections, and some in counting,” CEC Kumar said.
Among the key measures is a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) guaranteeing the delivery of Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) within 15 days of a voter’s registration. To simplify the voting experience, a facility for voters to deposit their mobile phones outside the polling booth will be made available. “Mobile phones can be deposited in a room outside the booth. This process will be implemented throughout Bihar,” the panel chief confirmed.
Major Reforms in Polling and Counting
Bihar is set to be the first state where every polling station will cater to fewer than 1,200 voters, a move aimed at reducing queues and easing access. This change, down from the previous cap of 1,500, has necessitated the addition of 12,817 new polling stations, raising the total count to 90,712.
Furthermore, the state will be the first to feature colour photographs of candidates on Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) ballots, replacing the current black-and-white images, alongside larger fonts for serial numbers. CEC Kumar explained the rationale: “When the ballot paper is inserted into the EVM, the photo on it is black and white, making it difficult to identify… So, starting with the Bihar elections, the serial number font will be larger across the country, and the candidates’ photographs will be colour photographs.”
Other initiatives include the introduction of official ID cards for all booth-level officials for easier recognition and the provision of 100 per cent webcasting coverage at every polling station to ensure transparency. Regarding vote counting, Kumar clarified a procedural change: “Previously, when votes were counted, if there was a mismatch in Form 17C… and in the EVM counting unit, all such VVPATs would be counted in full. Similarly, it will be compulsory that postal ballots be counted before the final two rounds of EVM counting.”
CEC Kumar confirmed that the elections, scheduled for November 6 and 11 with results on November 14, will be completed before the Assembly’s term ends on November 22. He concluded by urging public participation: “I appeal to all the voters of Bihar to celebrate this festival of democracy with the same enthusiasm as you celebrate Chhath. Everyone should vote and ensure their participation.”
