Patna: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday clarified that eligible citizens in Bihar still have the opportunity to get their names added to the voter list ahead of the state assembly elections. Speaking about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, he confirmed that the final electoral roll had been published on September 30 and distributed to all recognised political parties.
“The claims and objections period continued until September 1. Ample time was given to voters, political parties, and booth-level agents to submit corrections. After proper verification, the final list was handed over to all parties,” Gyanesh Kumar said.
He added that if a voter’s name was mistakenly left out, they could still apply to be included on the list up to 10 days before the nomination deadline. “Elections will be conducted based on the final voter list released after the nomination process closes,” the CEC said.
#WATCH बिहार में SIR पर मुख्य चुनाव आयुक्त ज्ञानेश कुमार ने कहा, "… SIR के बाद अंतिम मतदाता सूची सभी राजनीतिक दलों को दे दी गई है। नामांकन दाखिल करने की तिथि के बाद जारी होने वाली मतदाता सूची अंतिम होगी।" pic.twitter.com/l2c6H9JGjc
— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) October 6, 2025
The first phase of nominations for 121 seats begins on October 10, with the last date for filing on October 17 and scrutiny on October 18. For the second phase, covering 122 seats, the notification will be issued on October 13, nominations will close on October 20, and scrutiny will take place on October 21. Withdrawals can be made until October 20 and October 23, respectively.
Gyanesh Kumar also announced several measures to enhance election transparency. “Webcasting will now take place at 100% of polling booths, compared to 50% earlier,” he said. The Election Commission has also introduced colour photographs of candidates on EVMs to prevent confusion and ensure clear identification.
Responding to political parties’ concerns about delays in postal ballot counting, Kumar said the Commission had revised the protocol. “Postal ballot counting will now begin and conclude before the last two rounds of EVM counting,” he said, adding that the change aims to improve efficiency and fairness in the counting process.
With Bihar heading into a two-phase election on November 6 and 11, the Election Commission has assured that every eligible voter will have the chance to participate, and every precaution will be taken to ensure free and fair polling.
