Bihar Polls Counting Day: 4,372 Tables, 18,000 Agents Deployed; ECI Ensures Smooth Process

The process marks a historic milestone, with zero repolls and record voter participation.

Counting will take place across all 243 Assembly constituencies, supervised by 243 Returning Officers and an equal number of Counting Observers.

The ECI set up 4,372 counting tables, each staffed with a counting supervisor, assistant, and micro-observer.

Over 18,000 counting agents, appointed by candidates, will monitor the proceedings to ensure transparency.

Bihar Counting Day Arrangements

Counting begins at 8 am with postal ballots, followed by Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) from 8:30 am.

ECI officials will verify EVM control unit seals and cross-check entries with Form 17C records.

Officials will count VVPAT slips if discrepancies appear to ensure accuracy.

After EVM counting, the Commission will randomly select five polling stations per constituency for VVPAT verification.

Officials will match the VVPAT slips with EVM results in the presence of candidates and their agents.

The ECI reported a voter turnout of 67.13%, the highest since 1951. None of the 2,616 candidates or 12 recognised political parties requested repolls.

Officials called it an unprecedented achievement, reflecting public confidence in the electoral process.

The Commission also highlighted the accuracy of voter registration. The ECI conducted the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 38 districts, covering 7.45 crore electors.

It recorded zero appeals, highlighting the credibility of the final voter list.

Officials emphasised that meticulous planning, strict adherence to rules, and vigilant oversight ensured a smooth, transparent counting process.

The Bihar Assembly vote-counting day sets a benchmark in electoral management.

It demonstrates that robust procedures, advanced technology, and trained personnel can deliver credible, fair, and efficient elections.