Bihar Assembly Polls: Navigating Democracy in a Pandemic - The Full Schedule Revealed

In a pivotal moment for Indian democracy, the Election Commission of India (ECI) formally announced the comprehensive schedule for the much-anticipated Bihar Assembly elections on September 25, 2020. This election was not just another political contest; it marked India's largest democratic exercise to be conducted amidst the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, setting a new precedent for electoral processes globally.

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora, addressing the nation, emphasized the ECI's commitment to holding free, fair, and safe elections.

The electoral battle for Bihar's 243 assembly constituencies was slated to unfold across three distinct phases, culminating in a decisive counting day.

Phase 1: The Initial Thrust

The first phase of polling, encompassing 71 crucial assembly constituencies, was set for October 28. This initial stage involved a rigorous timeline:

• Notification Issued: October 1
• Last Date for Nominations: October 8
• Scrutiny of Nominations: October 9
• Last Date for Withdrawal of Candidature: October 12
• Polling Day: October 28

Phase 2: Building Momentum

Following closely, Phase 2 brought 94 more constituencies into the electoral fold, with voting scheduled for November 3.

The schedule for this phase was:

• Notification Issued: October 9
• Last Date for Nominations: October 16
• Scrutiny of Nominations: October 17
• Last Date for Withdrawal of Candidature: October 19
• Polling Day: November 3

Phase 3: The Final Leg

The concluding phase, Phase 3, saw 78 constituencies heading to the polls on November 7, wrapping up the voting process across the state.

The critical dates were:

• Notification Issued: October 13
• Last Date for Nominations: October 20
• Scrutiny of Nominations: October 21
• Last Date for Withdrawal of Candidature: October 23
• Polling Day: November 7

The Grand Finale: Counting Day

The fate of all candidates, and indeed the political future of Bihar, was to be revealed on November 10, when votes from all three phases were counted, ushering in a new government.

Unprecedented Safety Measures for a Pandemic Poll

Recognizing the profound challenges posed by COVID-19, the Election Commission implemented an array of groundbreaking safety protocols designed to protect both voters and polling personnel.

These measures were a testament to the ECI's dedication to upholding democratic principles even in the face of a global health crisis:

• Extended Voting Hours: To reduce crowding and facilitate social distancing, voting hours were extended by an hour, running from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with exceptions for Left Wing Extremism affected areas.
• COVID-19 Patient Voting: A thoughtful provision allowed voters who were COVID-19 positive or in quarantine to cast their ballots during the last hour of polling, ensuring their right to vote without compromising public health.
• Postal Ballot Facility: The option of postal ballots was expanded to include citizens aged 80 and above, persons with disabilities (PwD), essential service workers, and those suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19, promoting safer participation.
• Reduced Polling Booth Capacity: To enhance social distancing, the number of voters per polling booth was reduced from 1500 to 1000, leading to an increased number of booths across the state.
• Mandatory Health Protocols: Strict adherence to health guidelines was enforced, including thermal screening at entry points, availability of hand sanitizers, mandatory wearing of masks and gloves, and maintaining adequate physical distance.
• Personal Protection for Staff: Polling personnel were equipped with personal protection kits (PPK) to ensure their safety throughout the electoral process.
• Digital Nomination Process: To minimize physical contact, provisions for e-nomination and online submission of affidavits were introduced, streamlining the candidature process digitally.

The Bihar Assembly elections of 2020 were more than just a political contest; they were a significant demonstration of democratic resilience, navigating the complexities of public health and political participation simultaneously.

The detailed schedule and comprehensive safety measures underscored a commitment to ensure that democracy could thrive, even in the most challenging times.