Five-phased Bihar polls from October 12

New Delhi, Sept 9: Bihar will go for a five-phased election for its 243-member assembly between October 12 and November 5, with 6.68 crore people eligible to exercise their franchise, the Election Commission said on Wednesday. The counting of votes will take place on November 8.

Announcing the dates for the crucial polls, Chief Election Commissioner sim Zaidi said the model code of conduct has come into force with immediate effect.

Voting will take place across 62,779 polling stations, with the election process spread over three months apparently due to the festive season.

The first phase of polling for 49 seats will be held on October 12, the second phase for 32 seats on October 16, the third phase for 50 seats on October 28, the fourth phase for 55 seats on November 1 and the fil phase for 57 seats on November 5.

"The Election Commission has made arrangements for free and fair polls. We have received more than adequate forces. Each polling booth will be manned by central police forces," Zaidi said.

He said 47 of the 243 constituencies were affected by Left-wing extremism.

The election, which is expected to witness a keen contest between the BJP-led tiol Democratic Alliance and the combine of the Jata Dal-United, the Rashtriya Jata Dal and the Congress, will have some firsts, including photograph of candidate on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM).