Bihar election date 2020: Voting in three-phase starting from October 28, results on November 10
Patna : The Election Commission on Friday announced dates for three-phase voting starting at the end of October month.
Bihar will cast its vote on October 28, November 3 and 7 for a new government and the results will be announced on November 10. Amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis, several new measures have been announced in regards to the voting during the elections, the time for voting has been extended by one hour and it will also be ensured that there is no physical contact during the campaign.
Announcing the three-phase election, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora called it a "leap of faith". He pointed out that how NEET and JEE exams were conducted with precautions, the similar way elections can be held as there is no sign of coronavirus diminishing anytime soon.
"COVID doesn't show any sign of going down. Some way had to be found to choose representatives and protect the health of people. Life has to go on," he told reporters.
"The world has changed significantly since the last elections, which were held for the Delhi assembly. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a new normal in every aspect of our life," Mr Arora said.
Bihar has to elect a new 243-member assembly by November 29.
As mentioned earlier the voting time will be from 7 AM to 6 PM instead of 5 PM. Covid patients, suspects and those in quarantine will vote separately and there will be no physical contact during meetings and rallies, said the Chief Election Commissioner.
Voters will have to mandatorily wear masks and gloves. The number of phases has also been reduced from five to minimize infection. "COVID-19 patients can vote in the last hour of the day," Mr Arora said.
The powerful election body has also warned against the misuse of social media. "Anyone using social media for mischievous purposes such as for flaring communal tension during elections will have to face consequences; hate speech will be also dealt with harshly," said Mr Arora.