The first phase of Bihar Assembly elections 2025 saw a record turnout of 64.66%, the highest since 1951. The Election Commission monitored 100% of the centers through live webcasting. International observers also praised the transparent process.
Patna: Voting for the first phase of Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 was conducted in a peaceful and festive atmosphere. After which the Election Commission said that in this phase, the highest turnout of 64.66 percent has been recorded in the history of the state. This figure is the highest turnout since the first assembly elections in 1951, breaking all previous records.
Chief Election Commissioner’s congratulations and confidence in ECI
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar heartily congratulated the voters of Bihar for this historic voter participation. Expressing his gratitude to the voters, he said that by turning out to vote in such large numbers, they have expressed their full faith in the Election Commission of India (ECI). CEC further said that this huge turnout shows the unwavering faith of the citizens of Bihar in democracy. He also thanked the entire election machinery for working with complete transparency and dedication.
live monitoring
CEC Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners (EC) Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi were continuously monitoring the voting from the ECI control room. For the first time in Bihar, live-webcasting was ensured at 100% polling stations, allowing the Commission to closely monitor the voting process minute-by-minute. CEC Gyanesh Kumar also personally liaised with the Presiding Officers and District Election Officers (DEOS) to ensure that the polling proceeded smoothly.
wide range of voting
In the first phase, voting took place in 121 assembly seats spread across 18 districts of the state. The total number of voters in these constituencies was more than 3.75 crore. A total of 45,341 polling stations were set up to conduct the polling process successfully.
dedication of employees
More than 4 lakh polling related staff had reached the respective polling centers and took up their duties by 11:20 pm last night. Even before polling began at 7 am today, the mock polls were conducted peacefully in the presence of 67,902 polling agents deployed by 1,314 contesting candidates.
International Election Visitor Program (IEVP)
Another important initiative of Bihar Elections 2025 was the International Election Visitors Program (IEVP). Under this program, 16 representatives from 6 countries, South Africa, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Belgium and Colombia, saw the election process with their own eyes. The delegates appreciated the excellent conduct of elections in Bihar at the international level. He described it as ‘one of the most well-organised, transparent, efficient and participatory elections’.
Voter-Friendly Initiatives
- Several new voter-friendly initiatives launched by ECI provided an extremely pleasant experience to voters.
- Colored photos on EVM ballot papers: Voters were delighted to see colored photographs of candidates on EVM ballot papers, making identification easier.
- Reduction in crowding: A maximum limit of 1,200 voters was fixed at each polling station, which reduced crowding at polling stations and speeded up the process.
- Facilities: New initiatives included mobile deposit facility at polling stations and newly designed Voter Information Slip (VIS) for easy readability.
Special efforts for women and disabled voters
The Commission took special measures to ensure participation and convenience of women and persons with disabilities (PwD) voters.
- Disability Assistance: Wheelchairs were provided to all polling stations, and volunteers were tagged to assist PwD voters. E-rickshaw facility was also provided to them to help them reach the polling booth.
- Identification of Pardanashi women: More than 90,000 Jeevika Didi/women volunteers were deployed at all polling stations along with a CAPF personnel to ensure identification of Pardanashi women and help them vote.