The first randomisation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units for Phase I of the upcoming Assembly elections in Bihar has been completed. The process was carried out in all 18 districts scheduled to go to polls in the first phase.
As per the directions of the Election Commission of India (ECI), the randomisation was conducted by District Election Officers (DEOs) on October 11, 2025, after the machines successfully cleared First Level Checking (FLC). The exercise was done using the EVM Management System (EMS) in the presence of representatives from national and state recognised political parties to ensure transparency.
A total of 54,311 Ballot Units (BUs), 54,311 Control Units (CUs), and 58,123 VVPATs were randomly allotted to 121 Assembly constituencies comprising 45,336 polling stations. After the randomisation, constituency-wise lists of EVMs and VVPATs were shared with party representatives at district headquarters.
These machines will now be stored in the designated strong rooms of the respective Assembly constituencies. The storage process will also be witnessed by representatives of political parties to maintain security and accountability.
Once the list of contesting candidates is finalised, the first randomised list of EVMs and VVPATs will be shared with all candidates, ensuring full transparency ahead of polling day.
The completion of this phase marks an important step in the preparations for the Bihar Assembly elections, aimed at ensuring a free, fair, and credible electoral process.