Srinagar, Sep 19 (KINS): In a major step to make voting more convenient and transparent, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has revised guidelines for the design and printing of EVM ballot papers under Rule 49B of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961.
The upgraded ballot papers will debut in the upcoming Bihar elections and will feature colour photographs of candidates for the first time. According to the new format, each candidate’s face will occupy three-fourths of the allotted photo space to ensure better visibility for voters.
The ECI has also decided to make serial numbers more prominent. They will now be displayed in bold, size 30 font, using the international form of Indian numerals. Names of all candidates, including the NOTA option, will be printed in the same font style and size for uniformity.
The ballot papers will be printed on 70 GSM paper. For Assembly elections, they will use a pink shade of specified RGB values for easy distinction.
This initiative is part of 28 measures introduced by the Commission in the past six months to simplify processes and enhance voter convenience.
“The changes will significantly improve the clarity and readability of ballot papers, ensuring that every voter can make an informed and confident choice,” an ECI official said.(KINS)
