Election Commissioner Vivek Joshi reviews preparations for Bihar Assembly polls (Ld)

IANS May 17, 2025 333 views

Election Commissioner Vivek Joshi chaired a crucial meeting in Patna to assess Bihar Assembly poll preparations. He emphasized the urgent need to boost youth voter registration, noting the state’s lower-than-average participation rates. Discussions included enhancements in law and order, voter list updates, and accessibility for all voters. Joshi's visit reinforces the Election Commission's commitment to free, fair, and inclusive elections in Bihar.

"We must ensure free, fair, and inclusive elections with maximum voter participation." - Vivek Joshi
Patna, May 16: Election Commissioner of India Vivek Joshi on Friday chaired a high-level meeting in Patna to review preparations for the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls, an official said.

Key Points

1

Vivek Joshi held a meeting in Patna on Bihar polls

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Low youth voter registration concerns raised

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Emphasis on voter participation and inclusive polling

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Officials urged to improve voter turnout strategies

The meeting was attended by Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar, Vinod Singh Gunjiyal, State Police Nodal Officer Kundan Krishnan, District Magistrate and District Election Officer Patna Chandrashekhar Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police-Patna, Avkash Kumar, and other senior officials.

During the meeting, detailed presentations were made on electoral preparedness, law and order measures, and polling infrastructure, particularly for the Patna district.

Dr. Joshi emphasised the importance of conducting free, fair, inclusive, and peaceful elections with maximum voter participation.

During the meeting, officials presented the initiatives taken in the model code of conduct compliance, special summary revision of voter list, systematic voters' education and electoral participation, law and order situation, polling staff management, accessibility for PwD and senior citizens and grievance redressal mechanism.

The Election Commissioner expressed concern over low youth voter registration.

While the estimated number of youth aged 18-19 in Bihar is around 64 lakh, currently only 8,08,857 are registered.

He directed officials to intensify efforts to increase youth registration.

He also highlighted that Bihar's average voting percentage of 56.28 per cent in the last Lok Sabha elections was significantly below the national average of 66.10 per cent, and called for a micro-level strategy to boost voter turnout.

The CEO of Bihar mentioned the number of total voters is approx. 7.80 crore including 7,69,046 PwD voters, 5,91,347 senior voters (85+) and 77,895 polling stations.

Joshi stressed the need to ensure essential facilities at all polling stations and emphasized inclusive participation, particularly for PwD and elderly voters. He is expected to visit Motihari, East Champaran and also review the election preparation in Bettiah (West Champaran).

On Sunday, he will meet SSB officials and conduct an area visit in Valmiki Nagar and on Monday, he will review the preparation at the ground level in Vaishali.

These inspections aim to evaluate voter facilities, security arrangements, training programmes, and the overall readiness of electoral machinery on the ground.

The Election Commission, through this visit, reiterates its commitment to conducting transparent, peaceful, and participatory elections in Bihar.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Good to see EC taking voter participation seriously! Bihar's 56% turnout is shameful compared to national average. Youth registration drive should include college campuses and social media campaigns. 🇮🇳 #EveryVoteMatters
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Priya M.
Why only 8 lakh youth registered out of 64 lakh eligible? This shows complete failure of awareness programs. EC should collaborate with influencers and use WhatsApp/SMS alerts. Bihar needs to wake up!
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Amit S.
Focus on PwD and senior voters is commendable 👏 But what about migrant workers? Many Biharis work outside state. EC should introduce special provisions for them to vote without traveling back home.
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Sunita R.
Meetings and inspections are good, but will EC ensure no booth capturing? Bihar's history of electoral violence worries me. Need strict monitoring in sensitive areas like Champaran.
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Vikram J.
Instead of just reviewing, EC should name and shame districts with poor registration. Public pressure works better than bureaucratic meetings. Also, why no mention of EVM security measures?
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Neha P.
As a Bihari, I'm happy EC is focusing on our state. But mere meetings won't help - need ground-level changes. Many booths lack basic facilities like drinking water and shade. First fix these basics!

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Vivek Joshi Bihar Assembly elections Election Commission Bihar polls voter registration