Chief Election Commissioner, Gynesh Kumar, mentioned that political parties had suggested holding the elections immediately after Chhath Puja. He noted that all political parties have requested elections to be conducted in one or two phases. The ECI also praised SIR, stating that it was initiated on June 24 and completed within the stipulated timeframe. SIR in Bihar is an inspiration for the entire country.

The ECI is taking these steps in light of allegations and scrutiny, particularly concerning the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. The commission is responding to issues raised by opposition parties and suggestions for increased transparency. The context is drawn from the understanding that the margins in postal ballot results can be narrow, potentially inviting allegations. Questions have been raised about postal ballot counting, especially when the winning margin is small. The 2024 by-election in the Nanded Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra serves as an example, where a close victory highlighted these concerns.

The ECI’s decision to complete EVM counting after postal ballots aims to address these issues. This policy will be implemented in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, where the final EVM/VVPAT count will begin only after postal ballot counting is complete. Previously, EVM counting could occur before postal ballot counting, sometimes leading to confusion due to time differences. The ECI believes that issuing new guidelines for postal ballot counting is a significant step towards streamlining the electoral process, reducing delays, and increasing clarity in the vote counting procedure. Postal ballot counting will start at 8 a.m., followed by EVM counting at 8:30 a.m. EVM/VVPAT counting will commence only after postal ballots have been counted. This is particularly important given the increase in postal ballots due to home voting for senior citizens and people with disabilities. To ensure a smooth counting process, the ECI has directed Returning Officers (ROs) to ensure sufficient tables and counting staff, especially in cases with a high number of postal ballots. This is the 30th initiative by the ECI in the last six months aimed at streamlining and improving the election process, following earlier measures like mobile deposit facilities for voters, webcasting of polling stations, and better use of technology.

This suggestion has been proposed by some opposition parties. Discussions on election reforms have taken place in Parliament before, and a broad discussion on election reforms may be held this time as well. However, the government maintains that a discussion can only occur if the rules permit it and the Chair decides accordingly.

House proceedings are scheduled to resume on Tuesday. According to sources, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has informed opposition leaders that the House will convene from tomorrow. Discussions on the bills to be passed by the government will take place. The opposition now needs to decide whether or not to participate. If the opposition continues to disrupt proceedings over SIR, bills will still be passed amidst the disruptions.

The opposition is protesting over the revision of the voter list in Bihar. This issue is resonating from Bihar to Parliament. With the monsoon session of Parliament underway, opposition parties are continuously demanding a discussion on the issue of the Bihar voter list revision in Parliament. Opposition parties are alleging that the SIR is depriving millions of people of their right to vote.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had earlier dismissed the opposition’s demand for a discussion on SIR. Rijiju had stated on Friday that actions of constitutional bodies like the Election Commission cannot be discussed in Parliament.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission released the draft voter list of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) on Friday. According to the draft voter list released on Friday, approximately 6.5 million names have been removed from across the state. Bihar has a total of 72.4 million voters. 6.5 million voters’ names have been removed. However, those whose names have been removed include deceased, displaced, and foreign voters.