Did the Election Commission Address the Vote-Voter Mismatch in Bihar Elections?
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Synopsis
The Election Commission of India firmly refutes claims of a vote-voter mismatch in Bihar's recent Assembly elections. By presenting comprehensive data, including postal ballots, they affirm the accuracy of the electoral process amidst swirling misinformation.
Key Takeaways
- Election Commission dismissed claims of vote-voter mismatch.
- Reported a voter turnout of 67.13 percent.
- 2,01,444 postal ballots were cast, with 23,918 rejected.
- 9,10,730 voters opted for NOTA.
- EC data includes postal ballots for accurate reporting.
New Delhi, Nov 21 (NationPress) In the wake of numerous allegations regarding a significant discrepancy between the actual votes and the total number of eligible voters in the recently held Bihar Assembly elections, the Election Commission on Friday dismissed the ‘mismatch’ theory. They presented a comprehensive set of polling data, including postal ballots, to debunk these misleading assertions.
These claims, which have been widely shared on social media, suggest that the votes cast during the Assembly elections surpassed the total number of registered voters, raising concerns about possible irregularities and manipulation in the voting process.
The allegations indicated that the EC listed a total of 7.42 crore voters in its final document released on September 30 after the SIR exercise; however, the poll body later reported a total of 7.45 crore electors after the two-phase elections concluded on November 14.
Importantly, the Election Commission's final report released on November 17 indicated a remarkable voter turnout of 67.13 percent.
In response to the claims, the EC reiterated that the erroneous data does not consider postal ballots, thus casting doubt on the integrity of the election process.
According to sources familiar with the EC’s data, 2,01,444 postal ballots were utilized in the Bihar elections, with 23,918 of them being rejected.
Additionally, 9,10,730 electors chose NOTA (None of the Above) in both EVMs and postal ballots, a choice that allows voters to express their discontent with the candidates.
“When combining EVM votes and postal ballots, the total number of valid votes aligns perfectly with the official figures, confirming that the EC’s data is 100 percent accurate,” stated the poll panel.
Rejecting the estimated figure of 5,000,29,880 votes, the EC claimed that including 1,77,526 postal ballots in the final tally results in figures that correlate precisely with their official data.
Point of View
It is crucial to emphasize that the integrity of electoral processes is paramount for democracy. The Election Commission's dismissal of the mismatch theory, backed by substantial data, highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in elections. It is essential to trust in verified data to maintain the faith of citizens in our democratic institutions.
NationPress
21/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the voter turnout in the Bihar Assembly elections?
The voter turnout was reported at a record 67.13 percent according to the Election Commission.
How many postal ballots were cast in the Bihar elections?
A total of 2,01,444 postal ballots were cast in the Bihar elections.
What did the Election Commission say about the mismatch theory?
The Election Commission dismissed the mismatch theory, citing comprehensive data that includes postal ballots, ensuring the accuracy of their reported figures.
How many voters opted for NOTA in the Bihar elections?
A total of 9,10,730 electors opted for NOTA in both EVMs and postal ballots.
What is the total number of registered voters according to the EC?
The Election Commission reported a total of 7.45 crore registered voters after the elections.
