Election Commission announces Bihar Poll Dates: Highlights

File photo of a paramilitary personnel stands guard as voters queue outside a polling station in Thakurganj village in Bihar in October 2010. (Agence France-Presse photo)

Here are the highlights of the announcement:

• We have devoted a lot of preparations to Bihar elections.


• The Commission has made more than adequate arrangements of central paramilitary forces.


• The Commission has ensured assessment of all vulnerable points where anti-social elements have been recognised.


• Out of 243 Assembly constituencies, 47 are affected by left-wing extremism, 29 districts out of 38 are covered under left-wing extremism.


• The Commission has mounted special vigilance, security strategies to ensure safety of voters.


• The Commission will ensure that common man is not harassed by field level machinery.


• The Election Voting Machines will be carry photos of the candidates.


• In a first, voters will get paper receipts in 36 constituencies.


• Model Code of Conduct will be enforced with immediate effect.


• The elections to be conducted in five stages.


• Dates for five-phase polls are: October 12, October 16, October 28, November 1 and November 5.


• The counting of votes will be held on November 8th.