New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday announced that no re-polls have been recommended following a thorough post-poll scrutiny of voting records from the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections.
In a press note, the ECI said that the detailed verification of Form 17A (Register of Voters) and other polling documents was completed across all 121 Assembly constituencies that went to polls in the first phase.
The exercise, aimed at ensuring transparency and detecting any malpractice, was conducted in the presence of 121 Returning Officers (ROs) and an equal number of General Observers appointed by the Commission.
Around 455 candidates and their agents participated in the scrutiny process, which officials described as smooth and transparent.
No Discrepancies Found
“After scrutiny, no discrepancy or malpractice was found at any of the polling stations and no re-poll was recommended in Phase-I of the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections,” the ECI stated.
Officials further confirmed that the entire process was videographed for transparency, and after completion, Forms 17A and related election materials were re-sealed with the official seal of the respective Returning Officers.
Historic Turnout and Public Trust
The ECI noted that the first phase of polling, held on Thursday, witnessed a record voter turnout of 64.66 per cent — the highest since 1951.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar congratulated the people of Bihar for their enthusiastic participation, calling it a “historic expression of faith in democracy and the Election Commission of India.”
He also thanked the electors for turning out in large numbers with “fervour and enthusiasm,” reinforcing confidence in the electoral process.
The Bihar Assembly elections are being held in two phases, with the second phase scheduled to follow shortly.