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No polling booth will now have more than 1,200 voters. This will not only make voting easier for voters but will also reduce queue time. 100% webcasting is being implemented at all booths to ensure continuous monitoring of the voting process.
Elections will be held with these 17 changes in Bihar
Patna: There will be no more crowds at polling booths, no more confusion about identity, and the results will be more transparent. The Election Commission has launched a package of electoral reforms from Bihar that will give a new face to the voting process across the country.
Smaller booths, transparent process, no more than 1,200 voters
The Election Commission has taken significant steps to curb overcrowding. No polling booth will now have more than 1,200 voters. This will not only make voting easier for voters but will also reduce queue time. 100% webcasting is being implemented at all booths to ensure continuous monitoring of the voting process. This monitoring will not only increase transparency but also minimize the possibility of malpractices.
Mobile phones will now be allowed to enter the polling booth
Voters will now be able to carry their mobile phones to the polling station. However, they must deposit them at a designated location before voting and return them after voting. The Commission believes this feature will provide greater confidence and convenience to voters, especially those who travel to polling stations from remote areas and want to keep their mobile phones safe.
Bihar Assembly Poll will be held in 2 phases, result on November 14
Colorful images of candidates now on EVMs
In previous elections, there were complaints about the black and white images on EVMs. Many voters had difficulty identifying candidates. This time, the Election Commission has addressed this shortcoming by deciding to include color images of candidates on EVMs. The serial number font will also be enlarged to avoid confusion. This step will improve both the transparency of voting and the voter experience.
Counting of postal ballots will now be prioritized, increasing transparency in results
In keeping with demands from political parties, the Commission has also decided to count postal ballots before the final two rounds of EVM counting. Until now, this process was held last, which sometimes led to disputes. This change will significantly improve the reliability and transparency of the results.
Observers and BLOs will be connected through technology at each constituency.
A senior official will be deployed as an observer for each assembly constituency. These officials will come from different states and will oversee the entire election process. Their contact numbers will be available on ECINET and the Election Commission's website. BLOs, or booth-level officers, will also be directly contactable through ECINET. This is a major step towards transforming election management into a digital and real-time monitoring framework.
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A Glimpse of Digital India, Easy Access through Apps and Platforms
The Chief Election Commissioner informed that the Commission currently has 40 digital apps available on the ECINET platform. These apps will enable voters, officials, and political parties to directly engage with various electoral processes. The 1950 helpline number has also been made more accessible. Voters can now contact the Commission directly by dialing +91 and the STD code of their constituency, followed by 1950. Voters can also connect with the 243 EROs (Electoral Registration Officers) in the state and the CEO's office in Patna.
New Identity, New Card: 1.4 million new voters ready
New voter ID cards have been issued to voters whose names have been added to the new list or whose addresses have changed. This time, a total of 1.4 million new voters have been added, and voter cards have been distributed to all. Arrangements have been made to deliver the voter ID cards within 15 days. Booth-level officers have been provided with identity cards so that voters can easily contact them.
A major step towards a smooth electoral environment
The role of Booth Level Agents (BLAs) of political parties has also been formally recognized. Additional booths are being set up in high-rise societies to facilitate urban voters. VVPAT counting will be mandatory in case of discrepancies between Form 17C and EVMs. The remuneration of polling and counting staff has also been doubled, which will increase both their morale and responsibility.
Bihar will set an example, changes will be implemented nationwide
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said that these 17 changes will not be limited to Bihar alone. After their successful implementation in Bihar, they will be rolled out across the country. The Commission claims that these initiatives will usher in a new chapter in Indian democracy: transparency, technology, and convenience.
