How Did 16 Delegates from Seven Countries Experience ECI's 'Unprecedented' Arrangements for Bihar Polls?
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Synopsis
Experience the unprecedented arrangements made by the Election Commission of India as 16 delegates from seven countries witness the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections. This unique initiative illustrates India's commitment to democratic practices and international cooperation in electoral management.
Key Takeaways
- 16 international delegates observed the Bihar elections under the IEVP.
- The IEVP emphasizes international cooperation in electoral processes.
- Polling is conducted in 121 Assembly constituencies.
- More than 3.75 crore electors are participating in the voting.
- Security measures are heightened to ensure safe polling.
New Delhi, Nov 6 (NationPress) As part of the International Election Visitors' Programme (IEVP) initiated by the Election Commission of India (ECI), a total of 16 delegates from seven countries observed unprecedented arrangements for the initial phase of the Bihar Assembly elections on Thursday.
The nations represented included Indonesia, Colombia, the Philippines, France, Belgium, South Africa, and Thailand.
The opening session of the IEVP 2025 took place at the India International Institute for Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) in New Delhi on Tuesday, with all 16 delegates present.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioner Vivek Joshi engaged with the attendees, sharing insights into India's robust electoral framework.
The delegates received a demonstration of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and were briefed by senior ECI officials regarding essential election management elements, such as the preparation of electoral rolls and the assurance of free and fair elections.
As part of their itinerary, the delegates are on a two-day visit to Bihar, commencing on Wednesday, where they are observing EVM dispatch centres and witnessing the polling process firsthand.
The IEVP serves as one of ECI's premier initiatives for fostering international cooperation and engagement with Election Management Bodies (EMBs) globally. Since 2014, this program has showcased the strengths of India’s electoral system to the international community while sharing best practices from the world's largest democracy.
Meanwhile, polling for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections began at 7 a.m. across 18 districts of the state.
Voting is being conducted in 121 Assembly constituencies, with 1,314 candidates in the running, comprising 1,192 male and 122 female candidates.
The Election Commission reported that 3,75,13,302 electors, including 1,98,35,325 males, 1,76,77,219 females, and 758 third gender voters, will decide the fate of the candidates.
Polling stations total 45,341, with 36,733 located in rural areas and 8,608 in urban locales.
The ECI has designated 320 model stations, including 926 women-managed and 107 PwD-managed stations across these districts, with webcasting available at all polling stations.
Patna alone features 5,677 polling stations, including 541 women-only stations, 49 model polling stations, 14 PwD-friendly polling stations, and three youth-themed booths.
Polling will remain open until 6 p.m. in general booths; however, in six Assembly constituencies located in Naxal-affected areas, voting will end at 5 p.m.
Voting is currently taking place in Khagaria, Munger, Lakhisarai, Sheikhpura, Nalanda, Patna, Bhojpur, Madhepura, Saharsa, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Vaishali, Samastipur, Begusarai, and Buxar.
Unprecedented security arrangements have been established for this phase, with police and paramilitary forces deployed across all 18 districts, along with special patrols at sensitive and hyper-sensitive booths.
The Patna district administration has confirmed that security personnel are stationed at every booth to prevent disturbances or the spread of rumors.
Point of View
The ECI's International Election Visitors' Programme not only showcases India's electoral integrity but also fosters international collaboration. The presence of global delegates reflects the growing recognition of India's electoral processes, reaffirming our commitment to democracy and transparency. This engagement signifies a step forward in enhancing global trust in electoral practices.
NationPress
06/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Election Visitors' Programme (IEVP)?
The IEVP is an initiative by the Election Commission of India that invites international delegates to observe the electoral processes in India, showcasing the country's democratic practices and methodologies.
Which countries are represented by the delegates at the Bihar polls?
The delegates represent seven countries: Indonesia, Colombia, the Philippines, France, Belgium, South Africa, and Thailand.
How many candidates are contesting in the Bihar Assembly elections?
A total of 1,314 candidates are contesting in the Bihar Assembly elections, including 1,192 male and 122 female candidates.
What measures are in place for security during the elections?
Extensive security arrangements include the deployment of police and paramilitary forces across all districts, with special patrols at sensitive polling booths to ensure a peaceful voting process.
How will the election results be decided?
The election results will be determined by 3,75,13,302 electors, including males, females, and third-gender voters, who will cast their votes at 45,341 polling stations.
