The counting of votes for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 will begin on November 14th at 8 AM across 46 centers. Postal ballots will be counted first, followed by EVMs. In each round, 14 machines will be counted, and the entire process will be under CCTV surveillance.
Patna: The wait for the results of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 is now just a few hours away. Vote counting will commence statewide on Friday, November 14th. This time, the counting process has been kept extremely stringent and transparent to eliminate any possibility of malpractice. Vote counting will begin at 8 AM across the state's 46 counting centers. Postal ballots will be counted first, followed by votes from Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Counting Process to Begin at 8 AM
According to Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Vinod Singh Gunjiyal, the vote counting will begin simultaneously at all centers at 8 AM. Postal ballots will be counted first, a process that will run from 8 AM to 8:30 AM. This procedure will be completed using scanners to ensure every vote is accurately recorded.
Should the counting of postal ballots not be completed by 8:30 AM for any reason, the counting of votes from Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will commence simultaneously. This means both processes will run concurrently to ensure results are declared on schedule.
Strict Security Arrangements at State's 46 Counting Centers
In Bihar, a total of 46 counting centers have been established for the vote tabulation. Stringent security measures have been put in place at each center. Only authorized personnel and agents of candidates will be permitted entry into the counting centers. Security forces have been deployed throughout the premises to prevent any untoward incidents.
The Chief Electoral Officer has instructed the District Magistrates (DMs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) of all 38 districts to ensure strict adherence to all guidelines issued by the Election Commission.
Randomization at 6 AM Before Counting
Before counting begins, a "randomization" process will be conducted at all counting centers at 6 AM. This process is crucial as it determines which officer or employee will be assigned duty at which counting table.
This entire process is carried out through a computerized system to maintain fairness and transparency. After randomization, no officer knows in advance which table they will be counting at, thereby eliminating the possibility of bias.
14 EVMs to be Counted in Each Round
Separate rooms have been designated for each assembly constituency within the counting centers. In one round, 14 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be counted. For this purpose, 14 tables have been set up at each counting center, staffed by trained personnel and supervisors.
The results of each counting round will be recorded in Form 17C, which is an official document for the Election Commission. The outcome of each round will be thoroughly checked, and immediate action will be taken in case of any discrepancy.
VVPAT Slip Counting to Enhance Transparency
Alongside EVM counting, arrangements have also been made for VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail). In case of any irregularity or doubt, VVPAT slips will be counted.
If any mismatch is found between Form 17C and the EVM data, the VVPAT slips of the concerned booth will be tallied. This will ensure that every vote has been accurately recorded and that no technical malfunction has occurred.
Strict Ban on Mobile Phones and Processions
Carrying mobile phones inside the counting premises is strictly prohibited. Officials, staff, and agents have been instructed not to bring any electronic devices into the counting rooms. Furthermore, any kind of victory processions, sloganeering, or gathering of crowds outside the counting venue will be completely banned.
Election Commission Issues Special Guidelines
The Election Commission has issued detailed guidelines to ensure that the counting of votes is fair, transparent, and error-free. CCTV cameras have been installed at each center to provide live monitoring of the entire process.
Additionally, the Commission has directed that real-time information be provided to candidates and their agents in every counting hall. Upon completion of counting for any stage, the results will be immediately made public to maintain transparency.
