The Election Commission of India (ECI) has completed the scrutiny of poll-day documents, including Form 17A (Register of Voters), for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections. The exercise was carried out to enhance transparency and ensure fair electoral practices.
According to the Commission, scrutiny was conducted across all 121 Assembly Constituencies (ACs) that went to polls in Phase I, in the presence of 121 Returning Officers (ROs) and 121 General Observers (GOs) appointed by the ECI. Around 455 candidates and their agents participated in the process.
The Election Commission had earlier issued consolidated guidelines for the post-poll scrutiny of voter registers and other election-related documents to detect even minor irregularities and recommend repolls if necessary. Candidates were informed in advance about the date, time, and venue of the scrutiny.
Officials confirmed that the process was completed smoothly and no discrepancies or malpractices were found in any polling station. Consequently, no repoll was recommended in the first phase of the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections.
The entire scrutiny process was videographed, and after completion, the Forms 17A and other related materials were re-sealed with the Returning Officer’s seal to maintain the integrity of the records.