The Election Commission of India (ECI) has revised guidelines for the design and printing of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) ballot papers to make them clearer and more voter-friendly, the poll body said in a press release on Wednesday. The new format, introduced under Rule 49B of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, will debut in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
Colour photographs for clearer identification
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has said that candidates’ photos on ballot papers will now be printed in colour, with their faces covering three-fourths of the space to make them easier for voters to recognise.
Uniform fonts and bold serial numbers
The ECI said that serial numbers for candidates and the NOTA option will be printed in bold, size-30 international Indian numerals to improve readability. Names of all candidates, as well as NOTA, will appear in the same font and size to keep the list consistent.
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Paper quality, colour coding
Ballot papers will be printed on 70 GSM paper. For Assembly elections, they will be printed on pink-coloured paper with specified RGB values for easy distinction.
Part of wider electoral reforms
The poll body said the changes are part of 28 initiatives it has taken in the past six months to streamline election processes and make voting more convenient.
Bihar first to adopt new format
The new design will be used first in Bihar where Assembly elections are scheduled later this year. The ECI is also conducting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the state’s electoral roll to ensure all eligible voters are included.
Opposition questions voter list drive
The SIR has drawn criticism from the Opposition. Congress, RJD and other Mahagathbandhan allies alleged the exercise was rushed to benefit the ruling BJP. They staged a ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’, while leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav accused the ECI of acting under pressure.
