Bigger, in colour: EC’s new norms for EVM ballot papers; first roll-out in Bihar polls

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Wednesday issued new guidelines regarding the design and printing of EVM ballot papers to enhance “clarity” for the voters in the upcoming Bihar assembly election.According to the poll body, the EVM ballots will now include colour photographs of candidates which will occupy three-fourths of the photo space for better visibility.”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,” the poll body said in a statement.EC also directed that the serial numbers of candidates will be printed in the international form of Indian numerals. Candidates’ name will be printed in same font type and large font size to ensure readability.”The EVM Ballot Papers will be printed on 70 GSM paper. For Assembly Elections, pink-coloured paper of specified RGB values shall be used,” EC said.”The upgraded EVM Ballot Papers will be used in the upcoming elections, starting with Bihar,” it added.