Bihar Election 2025: Polling Phases Shrink From Six to Two, Marking A New Era

Bihar’s upcoming Assembly election, scheduled for November 6 and 11 in just two phases, marks a significant reduction from the multi-phase polling of previous years. This is the shortest duration elected in at least two decades, reflecting increased voter awareness, improved security, and enhanced Election Commission capacity.

Evolution Of Poll Duration

In 2010, Bihar witnessed six phases of polling amid concerns over law and order.

Subsequent elections in 2015 and 2020 saw polling reduced to five and three phases, respectively.

The 2025 election marks a historic move to just two phases, the first since the 1980s, streamlining the process considerably.

Impact And Significance

This streamlined schedule is expected to boost voter participation, reduce election-related expenses, and minimize opportunities for malpractice, according to the Election Commission. The two-phase election will cover all 243 assembly seats, with the counting scheduled for November 14.

Sources: Election Commission of India, India Today, Hindustan Times, Indian Express, NDTV