EVMs to Have Colour Photos of Candidates

Source: NDTV

Context: Election Commission of India (ECI) has revised EVM ballot paper norms under Rule 49B of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961.

• From Bihar Assembly elections onward, ballot papers will carry colour photographs of candidates, larger serial numbers, and improved design for clarity.

About EVMs to Have Colour Photos of Candidates:

What It Is?

• A revised guideline for Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) ballot papers.

• Mandates colour candidate photographs on ballot papers for the first time to enhance voter visibility and identification.

Aim of the Reform

• Improve clarity, transparency, and voter experience.

• Reduce voter confusion in constituencies with multiple candidates having similar names/symbols.

• Strengthen free and fair election principles through better ballot paper design.

Procedure & Governance:

• Governed by Rule 49B, Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 (design & printing of ballot papers).

• Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of all States/UTs directed to implement revised format.

• Printing to be done at government/semi-government presses, private presses only if required capacity is unavailable — with strict safety protocols.

Key Features:

• Colour Photographs: Candidate face covers 75% of allotted space for easy recognition.

• International Numerals: Candidate/NOTA serial numbers printed in bold (size 30).

• Better Paper Quality: Pink paper for Assembly elections with specified RGB values.

• Layout Standardization: Max 15 candidates per sheet and NOTA placed after last candidate. If fewer than 16 candidates, remaining space kept blank.

• Max 15 candidates per sheet and NOTA placed after last candidate.

• If fewer than 16 candidates, remaining space kept blank.

• Uniform Font: Names printed in same bold typeface for readability.

Significance:

• Voter-Friendly: Helps first-time voters, elderly, visually weaker voters to identify candidates quickly.

• Transparency Boost: Reduces scope for impersonation/confusion in candidate identity.

• Electoral Credibility: Strengthens ECI’s commitment to fair and inclusive elections.