Bihar Votes In 3 Phases, Starting October 28, Results On November 10
Bihar Votes In 3 Phases, Starting October 28, Results On November 10
M.U.H
25/09/2020521
New Delhi: Bihar will vote on October 28, November 3 and 7 for a new government and the results will be announced on November 10, the Election Commission said today. The country's biggest election in the coronavirus crisis will be held with many changes, including an extra voting hour and no physical contact during the campaign.
Announcing the three-phase election, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora called it a "leap of faith", pointing out that medical and engineering exams JEE and NEET took place recently and a large number of students sat for them. "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.
Voting will take place from 7 AM to 6 AM instead of 5 AM. 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 have to use masks and gloves. The number of phases have 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.