Vaishali: As part of four-day visit to Bihar, Election Commissioner Dr. Vivek Joshi arrived in Vaishali today, where he conducted a high-level review of the preparations related to electoral activities.
The meeting held on this occasion was attended by Electoral Registration Officers of all Assembly constituencies and selected Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
The review meeting began with a PowerPoint presentation by the District Election Officer showcasing key statistics and electoral facts related to Vaishali district.
Thereafter, the Election Commissioner instructed the District Election Officer that ensuring the active participation of all stakeholders in the political process is a priority of the Commission. In this regard, regular meetings should be held with all major recognized political parties, their suggestions should be sought, and continuity of dialogue should be maintained.
Emphasizing the accuracy of the electoral roll, he interacted with Electoral Registration Officers and polling station officials and asked some questions to assess their technical understanding.
He stressed the removal of names of deceased voters as per norms under the upcoming Summary Revision campaign and emphasized the timely identification (mapping) and registration of potential young voters in the 16–17 age group.
While interacting with polling station officials, he gathered technical information about the BLO App developed by the Election Commission of India and collected feedback on its utility.
He also instructed that the First Level Checking (FLC) process of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) be initiated promptly and that updated information regarding it be obtained.
Electoral Roll Accuracy is the Top Priority
The Election Commissioner reiterated that maintaining the accuracy of the electoral roll is the Commission’s highest priority. He emphasized the effective use of data received from birth and death registrations for this purpose and stated that necessary instructions have already been issued to all districts.
Dr. Joshi directed that Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) be ensured at all 2,592 polling stations and 1,422 polling locations in Vaishali district so that voting becomes a smooth, secure, and inclusive experience for all voters.
He also instructed the identification of vulnerable polling stations in the district and strengthening of human resources, security forces, and transport arrangements under a pre-planned strategy.
Dr. Joshi expressed satisfaction that the electoral gender ratio in Vaishali district (906) is better than the census gender ratio (895), and stressed the need for actively ensuring the registration of young voters.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the voter turnout in Vaishali was 58.60%, which was higher than the state average of 56.28%. Acknowledging the efforts of the district administration, the Election Commissioner directed that efforts be made to raise the turnout in the upcoming Bihar Legislative Assembly General Elections 2025 to the national average of 66.10%.
To achieve this, he instructed the preparation of a micro-level SVEEP action plan and ensuring active participation of all stakeholders.
On his way from Motihari to Vaishali, Dr. Joshi also visited Kesariya Stupa, Mahavir’s birthplace, and Basukund in Vaishali.
After completing his inspection of Vaishali district, Election Commissioner Dr. Vivek Joshi will return to New Delhi this evening from Patna Airport.
