How is the EC Ensuring Free and Fair Bihar Elections?
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Synopsis
The Election Commission of India is on a mission to ensure free and fair elections in Bihar as the state gears up for its Assembly polls. With strategic meetings and consultations underway, the ECI aims to address challenges like money and muscle power while engaging with political parties to foster a democratic electoral process.
Key Takeaways
- ECI's proactive review of Bihar's electoral readiness.
- Focus on curbing money and muscle power misuse.
- Increased inter-agency coordination for effective enforcement.
- Engagement with political parties to foster democratic participation.
- Request for timely elections after the Chhath festival.
New Delhi, Oct 5 (NationPress) As the Bihar Assembly elections draw near, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is conducting a thorough two-day assessment of the state's electoral preparations to guarantee free and fair elections.
On the second day of its visit, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is leading important discussions in Patna with enforcement agencies to evaluate and enhance strategies to combat the misuse of money and muscle power, which are significant challenges in the electoral framework of Bihar.
Today's engagements include consultations with senior officials from the Income Tax Department, police, and other enforcement bodies to review action plans aimed at ensuring transparency and integrity in the upcoming elections. These discussions will emphasize inter-agency coordination, increased vigilance, and targeted strategies to establish an equitable playing field for all political parties.
Later today, the Commission will conduct strategic meetings with the Chief Electoral Officer, the State Police Nodal Officer, and representatives from central security forces to evaluate operational readiness. This will be followed by a high-level review involving the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and other senior bureaucrats to discuss overall state-level coordination.
The ECI will also hold a press conference at 2 p.m. today to provide the media with updates on significant developments. The briefing will cover a summary of the preparedness reviewed thus far, feedback from political parties, and an outline of the path ahead.
On Saturday, the ECI team, which includes CEC Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, engaged in comprehensive discussions with representatives of major national and regional parties, such as BJP, Congress, JD(U), RJD, LJP (Ram Vilas), RLJP, CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML-Liberation), BSP, AAP, and NPP.
Calling political parties “essential stakeholders of a robust democracy,” the Commission urged them to actively participate in the electoral process by appointing polling and counting agents. They also encouraged all parties to treat elections as a celebration and embrace inclusivity.
Political parties, while commending the ECI’s efforts in completing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and cleaning the electoral rolls, requested that elections be scheduled shortly after the Chhath festival and conducted in fewer phases to enhance voter turnout. They also welcomed reforms such as capping electors per polling station at 1,200, timely postal ballot counting, and the mandatory provision of Form 17C to party agents post-polling.
Point of View
It is imperative to emphasize the ongoing efforts by the Election Commission to uphold democratic values in Bihar. With an eye on transparency and fairness, the ECI's proactive measures to engage with political parties and enforcement agencies reflect a commitment to a credible electoral process. The focus on curbing electoral malpractices is essential for fostering public trust and ensuring high voter turnout in the upcoming elections.
NationPress
05/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What measures is the ECI taking to ensure fair elections?
The ECI is holding meetings with enforcement agencies to enhance strategies against the misuse of money and muscle power while promoting transparency and integrity in the electoral process.
When will the Bihar Assembly elections take place?
The elections are expected to be scheduled shortly after the Chhath festival, as requested by political parties.
How can political parties participate in the electoral process?
Political parties are encouraged to actively engage by appointing polling and counting agents and treating elections as a festive occasion.
