NEW DELHI: Electors will now be able to view the choice of candidates more clearly while voting in a Lok Sabha or assembly poll, with Election Commission on Wednesday allowing colour photos of candidates on the EVM ballot paper, alongside their names printed in uniform font type and a conspicuous font size.The changes – which will take effect with the upcoming assembly poll in Bihar – were made by revising the existing EC guidelines issued under Rule 49B of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, to introduce enhanced clarity and readability in design and printing of EVM ballot paper. EC, in a letter to all state/UT chief electoral officers, sought strict compliance of the new guidelines by all the district election officers, returning officers and other poll-related authorities.As per the revised subpara(xiv) of Para 11.25.3 of the ‘handbook for returning officer 2023′, the serial number of the ballot paper and the candidates’ names and colour photographs shall be printed on the left-hand side of the EVM ballot paper. The party’s or candidate’s symbol will be on the right side in the candidate panel. The serial number of the candidates shall be indicated in the international form of Indian numerals. The font size of the candidate’s serial number shall be 30 and printed in bold, to help the elector visualise the choices better and make an informed decision.The candidate’s 2×2.5cm colour photo shall be printed on the ballot paper between his name and symbol. The candidate’s face shall occupy three-fourth of the space in the photograph. The names of the contesting candidates, including the NOTA option, shall be printed on the EVM ballot in the same language in which the list of contesting candidates is prepared. The ballot papers shall be printed on 70 GSM white paper for parliamentary polls and on pink paper for assembly elections.The names of not more than 15 candidates shall be arranged on one sheet of ballot paper, with NOTA as the last option. Other particulars to be printed in English include the serial number and name of the parliamentary/assembly constituency and the year and nature of the election.
