Bihar, June 2025: In a groundbreaking move, Bihar has become the first Indian state to introduce mobile phone based e-voting in local body elections, signaling a transformative shift in India’s electoral process.
What Happened?
- On June 28, mobile voting was piloted across 42 municipalities in 26 districts, including Patna, Rohtas, East Champaran, and Buxar. Voters cast ballots through the e-SECBHR app developed by C-DAC and Bihar’s State Election Commission.
- Approximately 70.20% of pre-registered voters used the e-voting platform, while 54.63% voted at physical polling stations, yielding a combined turnout of 62.41%. Bibha Kumari of East Champaran became the first person in India to vote via mobile in an election.
How the System Works
- Technology & Security: The e-voting system integrates technologies such as blockchain, facial recognition, OCR scanning, and digital locks, alongside an audit mechanism akin to VVPAT, ensuring transparency and security.
- Inclusive Access: The initiative targeted those who face challenges reaching polling booths like seniors, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and migrant workers.
- Controlled Access: Only pre-registered voters can use the app, and each mobile number is restricted to just two registered users to reduce misuse. Votes are cross verified with voter IDs.
Reality on the Ground & Future Outlook
- Challenges Remain: Critics and experts have raised concerns about potential vulnerabilities and vote manipulation. However, the Election Commission assures that the system is well-protected against tampering.
- Legal & Logistical Hurdles: India’s experience with voter roll revisions including aggressive purging efforts raises fears that mobile voting alone cannot guarantee fairness unless identification and voter data issues are resolved.
- Broader Impacts: This pilot sets a powerful precedent. If successfully scaled, mobile e-voting could boost turnout, especially among marginalized populations, enhance convenience, and reshape how elections are conducted nationwide.
Why It Matters
- Increased Accessibility: Mobile e-voting can empower vulnerable and distant voters to participate.
- Tech Driven Democracy: Digital innovations like these can streamline elections and build trust provided safeguards are strong.
- Policy Implications: The pilot’s success (or failure) could guide future decisions on implementing e-voting across India’s crucial 2025 assembly elections and beyond.
