The Election Commission of India (ECI) has unveiled new changes to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, introducing coloured photographs of candidates on ballot papers for the first time. This move aims to simplify voter identification and enhance clarity at polling stations.
One of the key changes includes the introduction of coloured photographs of candidates on the EVM ballot papers. Unlike the previous black-and-white images or their absence, the new photos will cover about three-quarters of the allocated photo space, making it easier for voters to identify their preferred candidates.
In addition to coloured photos, the ECI has decided to display candidate serial numbers and the ‘None of the Above’ (NOTA) option in bold and larger fonts for better visibility. All candidate names and NOTA will be printed in uniform font style and size, printed on pink paper of 70 GSM quality, as per specified guidelines.
These revisions are being made under Rule 49B of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, reflecting the ECI’s continuous efforts to improve election transparency and voter convenience. The Bihar Assembly elections will be the first to see the implementation of these changes, which are part of a larger set of 28 election-related reforms introduced by the commission over the past six months.
With these enhancements, the ECI aims to make the voting process more voter-friendly and reduce errors and confusion at polling booths, ensuring a smoother democratic exercise.
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