Bihar has achieved a remarkable milestone in voter participation during its latest elections, recording an unprecedented turnout of 66.91%. This noteworthy statistic was driven predominantly by women voters, who showcased a remarkable engagement in the electoral process. According to data from the Election Commission of India (ECI), women demonstrated a turnout of 71.6%, significantly surpassing the male turnout of 62.8%. The trend was consistent throughout the electoral phases. In the first phase of polling on November 6, women’s turnout was recorded at 69.04%, compared to 61.56% for men. In the subsequent phase, this number rose to 74.03% for women, while men's participation increased to 64.1%. This marked improvement in female participation underscores the crucial role women are playing in shaping Bihar's electoral landscape.
The overall turnout of 66.91% marks the highest participation rate since the state’s first elections in 1951, highlighting a significant commitment from the electorate. While these figures highlight a push towards greater democratic engagement, it is important to note that the ECI's data is provisional. The final turnout figures, which will include service voters, postal ballots, and transgender voters, are expected to be released later. The recent elections involved 243 assembly constituencies, with votes counting scheduled for an upcoming Friday. Preliminary exit polls indicate strong prospects for the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) against the opposition Mahagathbandhan coalition, though it is crucial to approach these polls with caution as their accuracy can vary. Clearly, the recent elections have set a new precedent for voter turnout in Bihar, particularly emphasizing the impact of women voters in this democratic exercise.