Bihar assembly polls to be in held in five phases: EC(Update)

The Election Commission on Wednesday announced a five phase polling for the assembly elections in Bihar beginning on October 12. The five-phase election will be held in the month of October and November.

"The upcoming Bihar assembly election will be conducted in five phases. The date of notification of first phase will be September 16, 2015. Last date of filing nomination will be September 23.The date of polls for first phase will be on October 12.The date of notification for second phase will be September 21. The last date of filing nomination for second phase is September 28.The date of polls for second phase will be October 16," Chief Election Commissioner, Nasim Zaidi said in a press conference.

"The date of notification for third phase will be October 1. Last date of filing nomination will be October 7. The date of polls for phase 3 will be October 28," he added.

"The date of polls for phase 4 will be November 1. The date of notification is October 8. Last date of making nomination is October 15. The date of polls for phase 5 will be November 5.The counting of votes will take place on November 8," Zaidi added.

Describing the security arrangements made by the commission, Chief Election Commissioner Zaidi said, "The paramilitary forces will guard all the polling stations. All political parties in the state have demanded CRPF, CISF and BSF forces for the polls. At least 47 assembly segments are affected by Left-wing extremist areas and securing these segments is priority."

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"In order to ensure electoral integrity during all steps of election cycle, the commission urge everybody to work according to law. The commission will ensure all steps to maintain communal harmony, peace. The commission has mounted special vigilance and formulated strategy in sensitive regions of the state from security point of view, so that voters are able to participate freely," he added.

"Our strategy will be to manage misuse of money by voters, including paid news. Nine central and state agencies have been pressed into action to keep a check on movement of cash and liquor," Mr Zaidi said adding that a total of 6.68 crore voters are eligible to cast their votes in Bihar.