EVMs to Feature Candidate Photos Starting with Bihar Polls

Quick Summary

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) has revised guidelines for Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) ballot papers under Rule 49B of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961.
• Starting with the Bihar Assembly election, ballot papers on evms will display color photographs of candidates occupying three-fourths of the photo space for better visibility. Black-and-white photographs will be used if a candidate provides them instead.
• Candidate serial numbers and NOTA options will be displayed in bold international numerals with a font size of 30 for clarity.
• pink-coloured paper with specific RGB values will be used for Assembly elections, and not more then 15 names can appear on one sheet along with the NOTA option.Blank spaces will remain below the panel when contesting individuals are fewer than 16.
• Printing shall preferably take place at government or semi-government presses; private presses can only be used following due procedure to ensure safety and adequacy.

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Indian Opinion Analysis

The Election Commission’s decision to include colour photographs on EVM ballot papers aims to improve openness and voter accessibility-allowing clearer identification, notably in constituencies marked by high literacy diversity or were visuals play a critical role in voter decisions.Emphasizing candidate serial numbers and adopting standardized fonts seeks further clarity in ensuring smoother voting processes.

By integrating modernized printing protocols alongside mandated security checks during print production, this change may instill greater trust among voters about electoral integrity-a significant step as India’s democratic machinery scales up technically while addressing logistical challenges inherent to states such as Bihar.

This progress reinforces India’s evolving efforts toward inclusive and efficient voting practices without undermining procedural simplicity or cost-effectiveness across its vast electorate landscape.