New Delhi: In a groundbreaking move toward modernizing democracy, Bihar is set to become the first Indian state to implement a mobile-based e-voting system for its upcoming municipal and urban local body elections on June 28, 2025. This revolutionary initiative, spearheaded by the Bihar State Election Commission (SEC), marks a significant leap in electoral innovation, promising greater accessibility, inclusivity, and transparency in the voting process. By leveraging advanced technologies such as blockchain, facial recognition, and liveness detection, Bihar is poised to set a precedent for other states in India and align with global standards of digital democracy, as seen in countries like Estonia.
What is E-Voting?
E-voting, or electronic voting, refers to the process of casting votes using electronic devices such as computers, direct-recording electronic (DRE) machines, smartcards, or, in Bihar’s case, Android-based mobile phones. This system allows eligible voters to participate in elections remotely, eliminating the need to physically visit polling stations. The adoption of e-voting in Bihar represents a paradigm shift in how elections are conducted, making the democratic process more convenient and accessible for a diverse range of voters.
The Bihar State Election Commission, under the leadership of State Election Commissioner Deepak Prasad, has developed a robust e-voting framework to ensure that the process is secure, transparent, and inclusive. The initiative will debut during the municipal and urban body polls scheduled for June 28, 2025, offering a model that could reshape electoral practices across India.
Bihar’s E-Voting System: How It Works
The e-voting system in Bihar will be facilitated through two Android-based mobile applications, both named “e-Voting SECBHR.” One app has been developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), a premier research and development organization under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, while the other has been created by the Bihar State Election Commission itself. These apps are designed to work in tandem to provide a seamless and secure voting experience.
Key Features of the E-Voting Apps
The e-voting system is equipped with cutting-edge technologies to ensure the integrity and authenticity of each vote. The key features include:
- Blockchain Platform: By integrating blockchain technology, the system ensures transparent and tamper-proof data handling. Blockchain creates an immutable ledger of votes, making it nearly impossible to alter or manipulate the results.
- Liveness Detection: This feature verifies that a real person is casting the vote, preventing fraudulent activities such as impersonation.
- Facial Recognition and Live Face Scan: The apps use face match and live face scan technologies to authenticate voters by comparing their facial data with pre-recorded voter information.
- Face Comparison: This additional layer of biometric verification ensures that the voter’s identity is accurately confirmed.
- Audit Trail: Similar to the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system used with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), the e-voting system includes an audit trail to track and verify each vote, ensuring transparency and accountability.
These features collectively make Bihar’s e-voting system one of the most secure and advanced electoral platforms in the country, addressing concerns about hacking, manipulation, and fraud.
Who Can Use the E-Voting System?
The mobile-based e-voting initiative is designed to make voting accessible to groups that often face barriers in traditional elections. According to State Election Commissioner Deepak Prasad, the system targets the following categories of voters:
- Migrant Workers and Voters: Individuals who are away from their home constituencies due to work can now vote without the need to travel back.
- Persons with Disabilities (Divyang Voters): The system enables those with physical challenges to participate in the democratic process from the comfort of their homes.
- Pregnant Women: Expectant mothers who may find it difficult to visit polling stations can cast their votes remotely.
- Senior Citizens: Elderly voters, particularly those with mobility issues, will benefit from the convenience of mobile-based voting.
- Seriously Ill Individuals: Those with severe health conditions can exercise their voting rights without the physical strain of visiting a polling booth.
As of now, 10,000 voters have registered for the e-voting system, with an expected capacity to accommodate up to 50,000 voters in the upcoming polls. By removing logistical and physical barriers, the initiative is expected to significantly boost voter turnout and make elections more inclusive.
Enhancing Voter Turnout and Inclusivity
One of the primary goals of Bihar’s e-voting system is to increase voter participation, particularly among marginalized and mobile populations. Traditional voting methods often require significant time and effort, which can discourage participation from groups such as migrant workers, persons with disabilities, and young voters. The mobile-based system addresses these challenges by allowing voters to cast their ballots from anywhere, at their convenience.
The initiative is particularly appealing to tech-savvy youth and first-time voters, as it aligns with their familiarity with digital platforms. By making voting easier and more accessible, the system is expected to foster long-term voting habits among younger demographics, ensuring sustained engagement in the democratic process.
Robust Digital Security Measures
While e-voting offers numerous advantages, concerns about cybersecurity, voter privacy, and digital exclusion have been raised. The Bihar State Election Commission has taken proactive steps to address these issues through its advanced security infrastructure. The integration of blockchain technology ensures that votes are securely recorded and cannot be altered. Liveness detection and facial recognition technologies prevent impersonation, while the audit trail provides a verifiable record of each vote, similar to the VVPAT system used with EVMs.
However, challenges remain. Critics have pointed out that e-voting systems are vulnerable to hacking, manipulation, and fraud, particularly when voting is conducted from home, where ensuring privacy and a coercion-free environment can be difficult. Additionally, the system may exclude citizens without access to smartphones or the internet, as well as those with limited digital literacy. To mitigate these concerns, the SEC is working to ensure robust cybersecurity measures and exploring ways to bridge the digital divide.
Bihar’s Trailblazing Electoral Innovations
Bihar’s adoption of e-voting is not an isolated innovation but part of a broader effort by the State Election Commission to embrace end-to-end digital technology in the electoral process. The SEC has previously introduced several pioneering measures, including:
- Face Recognition System (FRS): Used for voter authentication to ensure accurate identification at polling stations.
- Optical Character Recognition (OCR): Employed for vote counting and result declaration, streamlining the process and reducing errors.
- Digital Locks for EVM Strong Rooms: Enhancing the security of EVMs by replacing traditional locks with digital ones.
These initiatives have positioned Bihar as a role model for other states in India, demonstrating the potential of technology to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and security of elections.
Global Context: Following Estonia’s Lead
Bihar’s mobile-based e-voting system places it among a select group of regions worldwide that have embraced digital voting. According to State Election Commissioner Deepak Prasad, Estonia is the only country known to have implemented a nationwide mobile-based e-voting system. By adopting a similar approach, Bihar is aligning itself with global best practices in electoral modernization, setting a benchmark for other Indian states to follow.
Estonia’s e-voting system, launched in 2005, has been praised for its ability to increase voter turnout and make elections more accessible. Bihar’s initiative draws inspiration from this model, adapting it to the Indian context while addressing local challenges such as digital literacy and infrastructure limitations.
Challenges and Concerns with E-Voting
Despite its potential, e-voting is not without its challenges. Critics have raised several concerns, including:
- Cybersecurity Risks: The potential for hacking, data breaches, or manipulation of votes remains a significant concern. While blockchain and biometric verification provide robust security, no system is entirely immune to cyber threats.
- Privacy and Coercion: Voting from home may expose voters to external pressures or coercion, as it is difficult to ensure a private and secure voting environment outside of polling stations.
- Digital Exclusion: Citizens without access to smartphones, reliable internet, or digital literacy skills may be excluded from the e-voting process, potentially undermining the inclusivity of the system.
- Technical Glitches: Any technical issues with the apps or servers could disrupt the voting process, leading to delays or errors.
To address these concerns, the Bihar State Election Commission is conducting extensive testing of the e-voting system and raising awareness about its use. Efforts are also underway to provide support for voters who may lack the necessary technology or skills to participate.
The Road Ahead: A Model for India
Bihar’s adoption of mobile-based e-voting marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward digital democracy. By addressing logistical barriers and leveraging advanced technologies, the state is setting a new standard for electoral innovation. The success of this initiative will depend on its ability to ensure cybersecurity, maintain voter trust, and bridge the digital divide.
As other states and countries look to modernize their electoral processes, Bihar’s e-voting system could serve as a blueprint for scalable, secure, and inclusive voting solutions. The initiative also highlights the importance of continuous innovation in democracy, ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to participate in shaping their future.
Conclusion
Bihar’s pioneering move to implement India’s first mobile-based e-voting system for the June 28, 2025, municipal and urban body polls is a testament to the state’s commitment to electoral modernization. By combining advanced technologies like blockchain, facial recognition, and liveness detection with a focus on inclusivity, Bihar is paving the way for a more accessible and transparent democratic process. While challenges such as cybersecurity and digital exclusion remain, the state’s proactive approach and track record of innovation position it as a leader in India’s electoral landscape. As Bihar takes this bold step, it joins the ranks of global pioneers like Estonia, setting a new standard for democracy in the digital age.
