CEC Gyanesh Kumar to Assess Bihar’s Election Readiness on Oct 4-5

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is set to visit Bihar on October 4 and 5, 2023, to evaluate preparations for the forthcoming Assembly elections. Accompanied by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, the high-ranking delegation aims to review essential arrangements in a state where the political climate is often charged and pivotal.

This visit follows the scheduled release of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)-based final electoral roll on September 30, 2023. With the current term of the 243-member Bihar Assembly concluding on November 22, 2023, the elections are fast approaching, prompting the Election Commission (EC) to assess the state’s readiness.

Election Commission’s Preparatory Meetings

The Election Commission team plans to meet with senior officials from Bihar to discuss critical aspects, including administrative, security, and logistical arrangements for the elections. Such visits are customary as they allow the Commission to gauge the ground situation before formally announcing the election schedule.

Speculation suggests that the announcement of the Assembly elections may occur shortly after the EC team returns to Delhi, potentially within days. This anticipation is heightened by the political significance of Bihar, which often plays a crucial role in national politics.

Controversies Surrounding the Electoral Roll Revision

The SIR of the voter list, which has not been conducted in Bihar for over two decades, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties. They allege that this process could disenfranchise millions of legitimate voters. In response, the Election Commission has dismissed these claims, emphasizing that the revision aims to enhance the accuracy of the electoral roll.

Historically, the Election Commission has managed Bihar’s elections in various phases. Based on past trends, it is expected the elections will be conducted in three to four phases, although the precise number will depend on security and logistical considerations. This year, the challenge is amplified by the upcoming festival season, with major events like Diwali and Chhath occurring during the election period, necessitating careful planning to minimize disruptions for voters.

In the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, voting took place across three phases on October 28, November 3, and November 7, with results announced on November 10. The previous elections in 2015 were conducted over five phases, while 2010 saw a six-phase election process.

The upcoming visit by the Chief Election Commissioner is a clear indication that the announcement of poll dates is likely imminent, with expectations for an official declaration in early October 2023. As preparations continue, all eyes will be on how the Election Commission navigates the complexities of conducting elections in one of India’s most politically significant states.