A top Election Commission official said that Bihar became the first state to implement mobile phone-based e-voting during local body elections on Saturday.
State Election Commissioner Deepak Prasad said that 70.20 percent eligible voters used e-voting system, 54.63 percent exercised their franchise by visiting polling booths.
The state’s Election Commission posted on X, “Bihar has made history today. Bibha Kumari, a resident of Pakritidal in East Champaran district, became the first person in the country to vote through mobile phones during a local body election.”
“A symbol of convenience, safety and strong participation,” it said.
Voting for six nagar panchayats and municipalities Bipol recorded a total voter of 62.41 percent, Prasad said, saying that elections were held peacefully at all places.
Voting, which was held from 7 am to 5 pm, was covered with 489 booths, with 538 candidates.
Prasad said that e-voting starts to increase the voter and make the process more inclusive.
The system was specifically designed for voters who face challenges in reaching polling booths, such as elderly, disabled, pregnant women and migrants.
He said that only pre-management users were allowed to vote through e-voting platforms.
The districts where Nagar Panchayat and Municipal Bipols were held included Patna, Baksar, Bhojpur, Kamur, Naland, Katihar, Aria, Saharsa, Eastern Champaran, etc.
The counting of votes will be held on 30 June.
