Patna: Bihar witnessed a landmark moment in its electoral history as the first phase of the Legislative Assembly elections 2025 recorded a historic voter turnout of 64.66%, the highest ever in the state. The achievement reflects meticulous planning and flawless execution by the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the state machinery.
Polling was held across 121 Assembly Constituencies in 18 districts, with more than 3.75 crore voters eligible to vote. A total of 45,341 polling stations operated seamlessly, reflecting the scale and precision of the administrative effort.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, kept a close watch through 100% live webcasting—a first for Bihar. CEC Gyanesh Kumar also remained in direct touch with Presiding Officers and District Election Officers from the Control Room to ensure smooth coordination throughout the day.
As part of the International Election Visitors’ Programme, 16 delegates from six countries—South Africa, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Belgium, and Colombia—observed the polling process. They lauded Bihar’s elections for being among the most transparent and efficiently managed in recent times.
Over four lakh polling staff reached their assigned locations by 11.20 PM the previous night, demonstrating the administrative system’s readiness and discipline. Polling began promptly at 7 AM with 67,902 polling agents representing 1,314 contesting candidates.
To support inclusivity, over 90,000 Jeevika Didis/female volunteers, aided by CAPF personnel, were deployed across all polling stations for the identification of Purdahnasheen women.
The ECI’s series of voter-centric initiatives—ranging from coloured candidate photos on EVM ballot papers and mobile deposit facilities at polling stations to redesigned Voter Information Slips and wheelchair and e-rickshaw support for PwD voters—made the voting experience smoother and more accessible.
For the first time, Presiding Officers updated voter turnout figures before leaving their polling stations, enabling near real-time reporting and minimising delays.
The ECI’s leadership and the seamless coordination among officers, polling staff, and volunteers at every level of the bureaucracy turned Bihar’s polling day into a model of efficient governance. The record turnout, surpassing the previous high of 62.57% in 2000, stands as a reflection of public confidence and institutional capability.
This extraordinary feat not only marks a milestone in Bihar’s electoral history but also exemplifies good governance in action and the strength of India’s democratic institutions.
BI Bureau
