Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced on Monday that the Bihar Assembly elections will occur in two phases on November 6 and 11, with the counting of votes set for November 14. The entire election process will conclude by November 16, ensuring a swift return to normalcy in governance.
Kumar, addressing a press conference, referred to the upcoming Bihar polls as the “mother of all elections”. He emphasized the importance of transparency and a seamless electoral process across all constituencies.
According to the Election Commission, the first phase will involve 121 Assembly constituencies on November 6, while the second phase will cover 122 constituencies on November 11. This staggered approach aims to streamline the voting experience, thereby enhancing voter turnout.
“It is mandatory to complete counting of postal ballots before the last two rounds of counting of votes,” Kumar stated, highlighting crucial procedural elements for effective election management.
Regarding nomination and withdrawal dates, Kumar provided detailed timelines. For the first phase, candidates must file their nominations by October 17, with scrutiny taking place on October 18. The last date for candidates to withdraw their nominations is October 20.
Similarly, the second phase nomination deadlines follow suit: the last date for filing nominations is October 20, followed by scrutiny on October 21, and the withdrawal deadline on October 23.
The current Bihar Legislative Assembly term ends on November 22, and this election aims to establish a new government that reflects the aspirations of the electorate.
Bihar consists of a total of 243 Assembly constituencies, which includes two reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST) and 38 for Scheduled Castes (SC). This diverse representation underscores the significance of these elections for various demographics across the state.
With the legislative assembly elections on the horizon, political parties are gearing up to present their manifestos and contest the elections vigorously. The focus will remain on critical issues such as employment, education, and health to attract a broad voter base.
Bihar, known for its political significance, will witness intense campaigning as candidates vie for voter support. The emphasis on ensuring transparent electoral processes remains the top priority for the Election Commission.
