ECI Extends Voting Hours in Bihar Amid Rising Temperatures

The Election Commission of India has extened voting hours in 1,700 polling stations across four parliamentary seats in Bihar, by two hours, amidst increasing temperatures during the next three phases of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. 

The extended voting hours apply to the parliamentary constituencies of Banka, Madhepura, Khagaria, and Munger. In Banka, polling stations in the Katoria and Belhar assembly segments will witness the extended timing during polling on April 26. Similarly, the Mahishi assembly segment of Madhepura seat, as well as the Simri Bakhtiyarpur, Alauli, and Beldaur assembly segments of Khagaria seat, will observe the extended hours during voting on May 7. In the fourth phase of polling on May 13, polling stations in the Suryagarha assembly segment of Munger will also operate for an additional two hours.

The decision to extend the voting hours comes amidst efforts to boost voter turnout, which saw a decline of 4.21% during the first phase of polling in certain constituencies compared to the 2019 elections. The Election Commission attributed the drop in turnout partly to the rising temperatures, prompting the need for an extension in voting hours to encourage greater participation.

The Election Commission's move to extend polling hours is aimed at increasing voter participation in Bihar amid concerns over the impact of high temperatures on voter turnout. This decision follows consultations with various stakeholders and political parties to address prevailing heatwave conditions and ensure smooth conduct of elections. 

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as Bihar grapples with scorching temperatures, which have already claimed two lives and led to an increase in cases of heat-related illnesses across the state. The India Meteorological Department has issued a "yellow" alert for heatwaves in several districts, warning of temperatures expected to soar further in the coming days.

Health and disaster management officials are urging the public to take necessary precautions to mitigate the effects of the heatwave. The state government has revised school hours and issued advisories to safeguard citizens, particularly those engaged in outdoor activities, from heat-related ailments.