The Election Commission of India has revised EVM ballot guidelines ahead of the Bihar polls — adding several measures to improve clarity. Coloured photographs of the candidates will now take center stage, while other details are printed in bold with a large font size. The upgraded ballot papers will be used later this year for the Bihar Assembly elections.

“The Election Commission of India has revised the existing guidelines under Rule 49B of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, for the design and printing of EVM Ballot Papers to enhance their clarity and readability. The initiative is in line with the 28 initiatives already taken by the ECI in the past 6 months to streamline and improve election processes and enhance convenience for voters,” a PIB press note explained.

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What are the changes introduced by EC?

The poll body has introduced several changes that will be implemented starting with the Bihar Assembly elections.

  • Photographs of candidates will be printed in colour on the EVM Ballot Paper. The face of the candidate will occupy three-fourths of the photo space for better visibility.
  • Serial numbers of candidates/NOTA will be printed in the international form of Indian numerals. The font size will be 30 and in bold for clarity.
  • The EVM Ballot Papers will be printed on 70 GSM paper. Pink-coloured paper of specified RGB values will be used for Assembly Elections. 
  • The names of all candidates/NOTA will be printed in the same font type to ensure uniformity. The font size will be large enough for easy readability.

‘Vote chori’ allegations

Opposition parties have intensified attacks against the EC and the BJP in recent months — alleging ‘vote theft’ to ensure electoral gains for the ruling coalition. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had first raised the issue in August, and accused the poll body of widespread manipulation during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The Leader of Opposition specifically cited irregularities in the Mahadevapura constituency of Karnataka as he presented claims of more than 100,000 stolen votes. Both the ECI and the BJP have strongly denied these allegations. The poll body dubbed his claims “absurd” and “factually incorrect” — asking opposition leaders to provide evidence under oath or apologize. 

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