Patna: The 2025 Bihar Assembly Election has set a historic precedent, with the state recording its highest-ever voter turnout and, for the first time, completing polling without any re-polling at any booth.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar confirmed that scrutiny for all 122 constituencies in the second phase of voting has been completed, with no irregularities reported. A total of 122 Returning Officers (ROs) and 122 General Observers appointed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) examined all voting records in the presence of 460 candidates and their representatives. The process, fully videotaped for transparency, revealed no need for re-polling — a first in Bihar’s electoral history. After verification, the returning officers resealed Form 17A and related documents.
Record voter participation
The state witnessed an overall voter turnout of 67.13%, surpassing previous assembly elections. The first phase recorded 65.08%, while the second phase reached 69.20%. Notably, women voters outnumbered men by 8.8 percentage points, with 71.78% of women voting compared to 62.98% of men. Of Bihar’s 74.5 million registered voters, more than 50 million cast their ballots.
Officials and analysts have highlighted this as evidence of growing political engagement among women, who are increasingly seen as a decisive force in shaping Bihar’s political future.
A milestone in electoral conduct
Re-polling — once a recurring feature of Bihar elections — was entirely absent this year. Previous elections saw re-polling in several booths:
- 2015 Assembly Elections: 2 booths
- 2020 Assembly Elections: 3 booths
- 2014 Lok Sabha Elections: 96 booths
- 2019 Lok Sabha Elections: 3 booths
- 2024 Lok Sabha Elections: 2 booths
This year’s clean record, according to the Election Commission, reflects improved administrative coordination, enhanced security measures, and greater voter awareness. “Bihar has demonstrated the maturity of democracy,” said CEC Gyanesh Kumar. “The completion of elections without any re-polls is a testament to the state’s peace, vigilance, and administrative precision.”
Counting day protocols
Vote counting will begin tomorrow at 8 a.m. across 46 centres in the state. Chief Electoral Officer Vinod Singh Gunjyal has directed all District Magistrates to strictly adhere to ECI protocols. Mobile phones will be banned inside counting premises, and victory processions, sloganeering, and crowd gatherings have been prohibited to maintain law and order.
Early trends are expected by 9 a.m., with results for most of the 200 assembly seats anticipated by 2 p.m. Winning candidates will receive certificates from their respective returning officers following final confirmation.
At the A.N. College counting centre in Patna, tight security has been enforced around the strong room. Counting will begin with postal ballots and ballot papers, followed by EVM votes at around 8:30 a.m. Each round will cover 14 EVMs across 14 tables, with officials assigned through a third randomisation process scheduled for 6 a.m.
In case of any discrepancy between Form 17C and EVM data, VVPAT slips from the concerned booth will be verified. Postal ballot counting will conclude before the final round.
