Rajya Sabha Election 2026: MLAs Must Show Ballot Paper Before Voting, Mobiles Banned Inside Booth

New Delhi: There has been a lot of activity on the assembly premises since morning and all preparations for voting have been completed. Voting will start from 9 am to 4 pm under the supervision of the election commission and the assembly secretariat. After this, counting of votes will start from 5 pm and if the mathematics is not too complicated then the results can be clear by evening.

What is the 'Open Ballot' system in this election?

The most special thing about Rajya Sabha elections is its 'open ballot' system. Under this system, MLAs cannot keep their votes completely confidential. After voting, they have to show their ballot paper to the authorized representative of their party. 

What will happen if the ballot paper is not shown?

According to the rules, it is mandatory for any MLA to show the ballot paper to the authorized agent of his party before folding the ballot paper. If an MLA does not do so, his vote can be declared invalid. Representatives of different political parties will be present at the polling station, and they will keep an eye on the entire process.

Why ban on mobile and personal pens in voting hall?

To keep the voting process transparent and fair, the Election Commission has implemented some strict rules. MLAs will not be allowed to take mobile phones or any electronic device into the polling booth. Apart from this, MLAs will also not be able to use their personal pens. To cast vote, only the special purple sketch pen available in the polling booth has to be used. Vote cast with any other ink will be considered void.

What role does preference vote play in deciding victory?

A preference-based voting system is applied in Rajya Sabha elections. This means that the MLAs write 1, 2 and 3 respectively on the ballot paper against the candidates of their choice. To win a seat in Bihar, a candidate will have to secure at least 41 first preference votes. If a decision cannot be taken on the basis of first preference, only then the votes of second preference are counted.

When can the election results come?

Counting of votes will start one hour after the end of voting i.e. at 5 pm. Political experts believe that if the equation of votes is not too complicated then the results can be known within about an hour of the start of counting. At present, both the major camps—NDA and the Grand Alliance—seem confident of their victory, but the final decision will be taken only after the counting of votes.