The Election Commission of India has completed the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and released the final voter list for Bihar. This release precedes the upcoming assembly elections. The updated list is available on the Commission’s website, allowing citizens to verify their information. The final list includes 1.4 million new voters.
The final voter list was released on Tuesday following the SIR process. Voters can access their details using the link provided on the Election Commission’s website. Further information can be found at https://voters.eci.gov.in/.
**Registering and Correcting Information: Deadline Near Nominations**
Voters whose names are missing have until 10 days before the final date for nominations to register or update their details. To add a name or correct any information, voters need to fill out Form 6. Physical copies of the final voter list will be provided to District Magistrates and 12 recognized political parties today, and photographic documentation will be captured.
The publication of the final voter list follows a comprehensive revision of Bihar’s voter rolls, a process that hadn’t been conducted in 22 years. The draft voter list was published on August 1, and claims and objections were accepted from the public and political parties until September 1. The draft list initially included 72.4 million voters.
**Opposition Parties Express Concerns Regarding SIR**
Opposition parties have criticized the SIR process, especially its timing just before the elections, alleging that it could disenfranchise a significant number of eligible voters. The Election Commission has responded by stating that it is committed to ensuring that no eligible voter is removed from the list and no ineligible person is included.
The term of the 243-member Bihar Assembly concludes on November 22. The last assembly elections were held in 2020, spread across three phases.
**Election Schedule Announcement Expected Soon**
With the final voter list finalized, the Election Commission is anticipated to announce the election schedule in the coming week. Prior to the announcement, the Commission will conduct a visit to Patna on October 4 and 5 to assess the election preparations. Sources suggest that the official announcement of the assembly election schedule is likely next week.
It is anticipated that the first phase of voting will take place at the end of October, shortly after the Chhath Puja festival. The Election Commission is preparing to deploy 470 observers to oversee the elections in Bihar and by-elections in other states.
