As Bihar prepares for the counting of votes from its recently concluded assembly elections, authorities have announced extensive security measures and administrative arrangements to ensure a smooth and peaceful process. Counting is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. on Friday across 46 centres in 38 districts, with Patna schools remaining closed for the day to facilitate logistics and maintain public order.

High Voter Turnout and Election Scope

Bihar witnessed a historic voter turnout of 67.13 percent in the elections for its 243-member assembly, conducted in two phases on November 6 and November 11. A total of 7.45 crore voters were eligible to decide the fate of 2,616 candidates contesting across the state. The Election Commission has underscored the scale of the exercise, noting that it involves meticulous arrangements in all 243 assembly constituencies.

Counting Arrangements

The counting process will be overseen by 243 Returning Officers, each assisted by Counting Observers and candidate-appointed agents. A total of 4,372 counting tables have been set up statewide, each staffed with a supervisor, counting assistant, and micro-observer. Additionally, more than 18,000 Counting Agents appointed by candidates will oversee the process to maintain transparency and accountability.

According to Election Commission guidelines, the counting of postal ballots will begin first, followed by the counting of electronic voting machines (EVMs) starting at 8:30 a.m. The EVMs and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) have been secured in strong rooms with a double-lock system to prevent tampering.

Security Measures

Given the sensitivity of the process, a comprehensive security plan has been implemented. Personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and the Bihar Police have been deployed across all counting centres to prevent any untoward incidents. A senior official confirmed that 106 additional companies of security personnel from outside the state have also been mobilized to bolster the security framework.

A two-tier security arrangement has been established at each counting centre: the inner tier is manned by CAPF personnel, while state police provide an outer security ring. The centres are under continuous surveillance, including 24/7 CCTV monitoring, and additional provisions have been made to ensure that all procedures are conducted smoothly and transparently.

Administrative Measures in Patna

In view of the large-scale counting operations in Patna, all schools in the city will remain closed on Friday. This move aims to reduce public congestion near counting centres and ensure that educational activities are not disrupted by the heightened security presence. Local authorities have urged citizens to cooperate with traffic diversions and other arrangements designed to facilitate the electoral process.

Emphasis on Peaceful Conduct

Election officials and security agencies have emphasized that all arrangements are aimed at ensuring a free, fair, and transparent counting process. Candidates and voters have been urged to respect the electoral process and maintain calm during the announcement of results.

The counting of votes marks the culmination of a two-phase election that has seen widespread public participation and interest. With extensive administrative and security measures in place, authorities aim to ensure that the results are declared efficiently and without incident, reflecting the will of the people of Bihar.