From the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, 17 major reforms will be implemented in the country's electoral system. These include live webcast, digital voter cards, transparent EVM counting, and special facilities for women and senior citizens.
Bihar Election 2025: The upcoming Bihar Assembly Election (Bihar Assembly Election 2025) is set to be not just a state election, but the beginning of major changes in the country's entire electoral system. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar has announced that this time, 17 new initiatives (17 New Electoral Reforms) are being implemented from Bihar, which will become part of elections across the country in the future. The objective of these changes is to enhance transparency, technical efficiency, and voter convenience.
1. One Hundred Percent Live Webcasting from All Booths
This time in Bihar, live webcasting will be arranged from over 90,000 polling centers (polling booths). This is the first time that all booths in a state have been brought under the scope of live monitoring (live surveillance). This will increase the transparency of the voting process, and immediate action can be taken against any irregularity.
2. New Transparency System in EVM and VVPAT Counting
The Election Commission has decided that if any discrepancy is found between the voting unit count provided in Form 17C (Form 17C) and the EVM data, then the VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) of the concerned booth will also be counted. This step will allow questions raised about EVMs to be answered transparently.
3. Postal Ballot Counting to Be Completed First
For the first time, it has been mandated that the counting of Postal Ballots must be completed before the last two rounds of EVM counting. Only after this will the EVM counting begin. This will ensure the accuracy and impartiality of the final results.
4. Digital Index Card for Voter Turnout
Now, after voting concludes, the complete details of voter presence, i.e., voter turnout, will be prepared as a Digital Index Card. This card will be available to the public within a few days of the election's conclusion. This digital system will bring both transparency and speed to data.
5. New EPIC Card to Be Issued in 15 Days
The Election Commission has also announced that any new voter will now receive their new Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC card) within 15 days. Previously, this process used to take several weeks. This will greatly facilitate providing identity cards to new voters on time.
6. One Stop Digital Platform – ECI NET
The Election Commission has developed a new system to bring all types of electoral applications onto one platform, named “One Stop Digital Platform – ECI NET.” On this platform, all necessary services for candidates, voters, and administrative officials will be available in one place. Its Progressive Implementation is currently ongoing, but it is being initiated with the Bihar elections.
7. Formation of One Booth Per 1200 Voters
This time in Bihar, on average, one polling station (polling booth) has been set up for every 1200 voters. Earlier, in many areas, this number used to reach 1400-1500. This arrangement will reduce crowds at polling stations and provide people with an easy opportunity to cast their votes. This model will be implemented nationwide in the coming time.
8. Candidates Allowed to Set Up Booths 100 Meters Away
This time, the Election Commission has provided all candidates with the facility to set up their help desks (help desk) at a distance of 100 meters from the polling booth. This will help voters get information about their booths and make the candidates' election process more organized.
9. Color Photos of Candidates on EVM Ballot Papers
Another new change in the Bihar elections is that colorful photos of candidates will now be placed on EVM ballot papers. Additionally, their serial numbers (serial number) will be in larger fonts to avoid any confusion for voters in identifying names. This change is particularly useful for illiterate voters or those who find it difficult to read names.
10. Candidates Must Mandatorily Appoint Their Polling Agents
The Chief Election Commissioner has appealed to all candidates to appoint their Polling Agents and send them to the booth before voting begins. Candidates will be able to monitor the voting process through their agents.
11. Transparency of Mock Polls to Increase
The CEC stated that all candidates, along with their Polling Agents, should witness the Mock Poll, i.e., test voting, before their eyes. After the completion of voting, they should collect Form 17C from the Presiding Officer to have proof of the entire process. This is a significant step towards transparent and fair voting.
12. Special Focus on Electoral Roll Transparency
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has ordered an investigation into irregularities related to the electoral roll in Mohanpur village, Muzaffarpur district. According to reports, despite the village having only a Hindu population, names of approximately 100 Muslim voters were added to the list. On this, he directed the state's Chief Electoral Officer, Vinod Singh Gunjiyal, to conduct a transparent inquiry.
13. Directive to Complete Investigations Before Nominations
The CEC also stated that investigations into such cases should be completed 10 days before the start of nominations to remove incorrect names from the electoral roll. This will maintain faith in the electoral process and ensure a more accurate voter list.
14. Digital Data Tracking to Facilitate Electoral Monitoring
Under the new digital system, data received from all booths will now be updated in real-time. This will make it easier to ascertain which areas have lower or higher voter turnout percentages. This data will help the commission take immediate action.
15. New Facilities for Women and Senior Citizen Voters
The Election Commission has decided to provide additional facilities at booths specifically for women voters and senior citizens. These booths will offer separate queues, seating arrangements, and first-aid facilities.
16. Special Awareness Campaign for Youth
An Election Awareness Campaign will be launched in Bihar for young people who are voting for the first time. Through social media, college campuses, and digital platforms, youth will be educated about the importance of voting.
17. Voting Information to Reach Every Voter Digitally
Every voter will now receive information about their polling booth, voting date, and time via SMS, WhatsApp, and email. This step will prove to be a significant change for tech-savvy voters.
Reforms to Be Implemented Nationwide Starting from Bihar
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated that all 17 reformative measures being implemented in Bihar will gradually be rolled out across all states in the country. Bihar is being developed as a “Model State for Electoral Reforms.”
