The Election Commission of India is addressing a press conference ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly Election. During the presser, the ECI announced the dates for the assembly elections in Bihar. The upcoming elections will be held in 3 phases on 28th October, 3rd and 7th November; results on 10th November This will be the first state election to be held in India since the beginning of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The elections are likely to be held in mid-October, in more than one phase because of Covid-19 precautions. Bihar has to elect a new 243-member assembly by November 29.
Meanwhile, the ECI has also decided to hold 65 pending by-elections to fill vacancies in various assemblies and one in Lok Sabha. The bypolls were deferred due to excessive rains and the pandemic.
Due to ongoing pandemic, the Election Commission has imposed restrictions on campaigning, saying only five people can campaign door-to-door. It has also restricted candidate convoy for roadshows to five vehicles, among other measures.
However, guidelines have also been issued for polling day, with the number of polling stations being increased. A maximum of 1,000 voters being allowed to vote at a polling station. Earlier, the maximum number was 1500. All voters will also be asked to wear face masks, which they will be asked to remove briefly for identification at the time of voting.
Election Commission to address press conference | LIVE UPDATES
13:13 PM: Bihar to vote in 3 phases on 28th October, 3rd and 7th November; results on 10th November
13:10 PM: Last date of nomination 16 October.
13:08 PM: Election will be conducted in three phases.
13:05 PM: The polling period has been shortened.
13:01 PM: Security deposit will be submitted online
12:59 PM: Thermal screening of voters will be conducted.
12:53 PM: Proper measures will be taken for helping physically challenged voters.
12:48 PM: All physical contact is prohibited.
12::47 PM: Polling-time has been increased by 1 hour. Now the voting time is from 7 am-6pm.
12:46 PM: Quarantined patients can cast their votes at the end of polling day under the supervision of health staff.
12:43 PM: Covid suspects can vote after everyone at the end of the polling day.
12:42 PM: Single-use gloves, as well as other measures for the voters, have been arranged.
12:33 PM: ECI addresses press conference over upcoming Bihar Assembly Election 2020.
9:06 AM: Election Commission of India to hold a press conference today in Delhi. Election Commission's press conference to be held over Bihar Elections
