Bihar Local Body Elections: State Creates History With India’s First Mobile E-Voting in Polls
Bihar on Saturday became the first state to implement mobile phone-based e-voting during local body elections, a top Election Commission official said. State Election Commissioner Deepak Prasad said while 70.20 per cent of the eligible voters used the e-voting system, 54.63 per cent exercised their franchise by visiting polling booths.
Patna, June 28: Bihar on Saturday became the first state to implement mobile phone-based e-voting during local body elections, a top Election Commission official said. State Election Commissioner Deepak Prasad said while 70.20 per cent of the eligible voters used the e-voting system, 54.63 per cent exercised their franchise by visiting polling booths.
"Bihar has made history today. Bibha Kumari, a resident of Pakridayal in East Champaran district, became the first person in the country to cast a vote via mobile phone during a local body election," the State Election Commission posted on X. "A symbol of convenience, security, and empowered participation," it added. No Confusion, Dispute in 'Mahagathbandhan' on Tejashwi Yadav Being Face for CM’s Post: Congress Leader Kanhaiya Kumar Ahead of Bihar Assembly Elections 2025.
Polling for six nagar panchayats and municipal bypolls recorded an overall voter turnout of 62.41 per cent, Prasad said, adding that the elections were conducted peacefully across all locations. Polling, which was conducted from 7 am to 5 pm, covered 489 booths, with 538 candidates in the fray. Prasad said the introduction of e-voting aims to increase voter turnout and make the process more inclusive. Bihar Voter Roll Revision: AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi Accuses Election Commission of Quietly Implementing NRC in State Ahead of Assembly Elections 2025.
The system was specifically designed for voters who face challenges in reaching polling booths, such as the elderly, disabled, pregnant women, and migrants. Only pre-registered users were allowed to vote via the e-voting platform, he added. The districts where the nagar panchayat and municipal bypolls were held included Patna, Buxar, Bhojpur, Kaimur, Nalanda, Katihar, Araraia, Saharsa, East Champaran, etc. Counting of votes will be held on June 30.
(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)