Election Commission extends polling hours in 4 Bihar seats

The EC’s move comes after the turnout in the first phase of polling on April 19, including in four seats of Bihar, was lower than the turnout in the same seats in 2019. The EC cited the increased temperatures as a probable factor affecting voter turnout.

Voting at some polling stations in Banka on Friday, Madhepura and Khagaria on May 7 and Munger on May 13 has been extended to 6pm, as per a gazette notification. REUTERS

With an eye on increasing turnout, the Election Commission on Wednesday extended polling hours in parts of four Parliamentary constituencies of Bihar by two hours.

Voting at some polling stations in Banka on Friday, Madhepura and Khagaria on May 7 and Munger on May 13 has been extended to 6pm, as per a gazette notification. It will begin on 7am. The EC’s move comes after the turnout in the first phase of polling on April 19, including in four seats of Bihar, was lower than the turnout in the same seats in 2019. The notification cited the increased temperatures as a probable factor affecting voter turnout.

“Whereas, having considered the request of the Chief Electoral Officer, Bihar to increase Hours of Poll in these Parliamentary Constituencies in view prevailing heat wave and consultation held with the political parties and other stakeholders to increase voters’ participation, the Election Commission of India has decided to change the hours of poll in respect of Parliamentary Constituencies of Bihar namely 27-Banka, 13-Madhepura, 25-Khagaria and 28-Munger,” the notification read.

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To be sure, polling is usually held till 6pm in most parts of the country. However, in some remote areas and constituencies affected by Left-Wing Extremism, polling is scheduled earlier to enable smooth movement of polling parties.

The additional two hours of polling would be held in 172 polling stations in Katoria Asssembly constituency (AC) and 191 polling stations of Belhar AC of Banka; 207 booths in Mahishi AC of Madhepura seat; 299 stations of Simri Bakhtiarpur and all booths of Alauli and Beldaur ACs of Khagaria seat; and 230 polling stations of Suryagarha AC of Munger.

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