Bihar’s final voter list out September 30, poll schedule likely next week

With the final list ready and the Commission’s visit lined up, the stage is nearly set for Bihar’s election battle to officially begin.

The Election Commission is set to publish Bihar’s final electoral roll on Tuesday, paving the way for the much-awaited assembly election schedule, which is likely to be announced next week, PTI reported.

According to PTI, the final voter list comes after the conclusion of a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, held after a gap of 22 years.

The draft rolls, published on August 1, had 7.24 crore electors. They remained open for claims and objections until September 1, allowing individuals and political parties to flag discrepancies.

Opposition parties have sharply criticised the process, alleging that the SIR would disenfranchise crores of genuine citizens. The Commission, however, has assured that no eligible voter will be excluded and no ineligible name will remain on the list.

EC gears up for Bihar visit

The Election Commission will be in Patna on October 4 and 5 to review preparations for the polls, sources told PTI. Ahead of that, on October 3, a briefing is scheduled for general, police and expenditure observers.

In total, 470 observers are being deployed, both for Bihar and for certain assembly bypolls elsewhere.

Poll schedule around the corner

Sources quoted by PTI indicated that the assembly poll schedule will likely be announced next week, soon after the publication of the final electoral roll.

The first phase of voting is expected to take place shortly after the Chhath festival in late October.

The term of the 243-member Bihar Assembly ends on November 22, making the upcoming announcement critical for political parties already in campaign mode.

Flashback: Bihar’s last election under COVID

The last assembly polls in Bihar were held in three phases during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Election Commission navigating strict safety protocols. This time, the logistical challenge revolves around the new voter roll and ensuring its credibility, especially in the face of opposition criticism.

With the final list ready and the Commission’s visit lined up, the stage is nearly set for Bihar’s election battle to officially begin.