Janjivan Bureau
New Delhi: The Election Commission on Wednesday announced five phase polling for the assembly elections in Bihar beginning on October 12.The results of the elections will be declared on November 8. Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Ahmad Zaidi said that first time in country the candidates photo to be used on EVM machine, to avoid the confusion of same name of candidates.
The date of notification of first phase will be September 16, 2015. The date of polls for phase 2 will be October 16.
The date of polls for phase 3 will be October 28. The date of polls for phase 4 will be November 1. The date of polls for phase 5 of the Bihar polls will be November 5.The counting of votes will take place on November 8.
Addressing a press conference in the national capital, chief election commissioner Nasim Zaidi said the poll panel has devoted a lot of preparations to Bihar elections and requested all the stakeholders to work according to the laws and guidelines.
“We are committed to ensure a conducive and peaceful atmosphere from the standpoint of law and order,” said Zaidi while announcing the poll dates.
The first phase of polling will be held on October 12 for 49 seats, second on October 16 for 32, third on October 28 for 50, fourth on November 1 for 55 and the fifth and the last phase on November 5 for 57. The counting of votes will be held on November 8.
“The model code of conduct will be enforced with immediate effect. As per the law, exit polls will be prohibited from the first day of the polls to last day of the last phase,” Zaidi added.
He said the commission will ensure that common man is not harassed by field level machinery and has mounted special vigilance and security strategies to ensure the safety of voters.
“Out of 243 Assembly constituencies, 47 are affected by left-wing extremism, 29 districts out of 38 are covered under left-wing extremism. The Commission has ensured assessment of all vulnerable points where anti-social elements have been recognised.”
The CEC added the commission has “made more than adequate arrangements” of central paramilitary forces which will man all polling stations where 6.68 crore voters will cast their decision.
In a first, voters will get paper receipts in 36 constituencies and electronic voting machines will carry photos of the candidates.
The term of the 243-member state assembly comes to an end on November 29.
