Election Commission announces six-phase State Assembly polls in Bihar

NEW DELHI - The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday announced a six-phase State Assembly poll for Bihar to be held between October 21 and November 20.

Polls will be held in 243 State Assembly seats of Bihar. The first phase of elections will take place on October 21 for 47 state assembly seats, the second phase on October 24 for 45 seats, the third phase on October28 for 48 seats, the fourth on November1 for 42 seats, the fifth phase on November 9 for 25 seats and the sixth and last phase on November 20 for 26 seats.

Counting of votes will take place on November 24, said Chief Election Commissioner S.Y.Qureshi.

Bihar has over 5.5 crore voters, who will exercise their franchise through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

Announcing the poll dates for the Bihar Assembly that completes its current term on November 27, 2010, Qureshi informed that the EVMs would be checked in the presence of political leaders.

On the security front, the CEC said central paramilitary forces and state armed forces would be deployed to ensure peaceful elections across the state.

“The CEC has decided also to appoint micro observers for a smooth function of votes,” he informed, adding that the identification of voters is mandatory.

There are 38 seats that are reserved for Scheduled Tribe category, he added.

Meanwhile, polls for the Banka Loksabha constituency will be held on November 1, the CEC informed.

With the announcement of dates for the State Assembly elections, the Model Code of Conduct came into effect on Monday. (ANI)