EVMs to display colour photographs of candidates beginning with Bihar polls
The Election Commission of India has updated its guidelines to alter the layout of EVM ballot papers, starting with the upcoming Bihar assembly elections.
Provisioned under Rule 49B of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, candidates’ photographs will now be printed in colour, replacing the earlier black-and-white or no-photo versions, to facilitate clearer identification.
The image will cover three-quarters of the allotted photo space, so voters can see faces more distinctly.
Additionally, the candidate’s serial number on the ballot paper will be made more prominent for better visibility.
Previously, the guidelines required only basic candidate details such as name, party symbol, and serial number, with photographs either absent or in monochrome, and photo size relatively small.
Under the revised rules, both design and print have been altered to make ballots more voter-friendly and reduce confusion at polling booths.
This initiative builds on 28 initiatives already undertaken by the Election Commission over the past six months to streamline and improve election processes and enhance voter convenience.