Bihar Leads the Way: Mobile E-Voting Launches for Local Body Elections

In a pioneering move, Bihar has introduced mobile-based e-voting for local body elections, setting a precedent for the rest of India. The initiative was spearheaded by State Election Commissioner Deepak Prasad, who reported a 70.20% usage rate among eligible voters. Bibha Kumari and Munna Kumar, residents of Pakri Dayal, became the first e-voters in the nation using their mobile phones. The e-voting system allows citizens to cast votes from various locations. The e-voting application restricts logins to two voters per mobile number. Voters must register their voter ID details through the e-SECBHR app. The app is currently available for Android devices. The platform ensures that votes are secure and tamper-proof through blockchain technology. Features similar to EVMs, like VVPAT, FRS, OCR, and digital locks, are integrated for enhanced security. This new system aims to help migrant workers, senior citizens, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and those with serious illnesses. E-voting first emerged in Estonia in 2005, but its adoption has been varied worldwide.