What Are the Revised Guidelines Issued by ECI for EVM Ballot Papers?
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Synopsis
The ECI introduces new guidelines for EVM ballot papers, aiming for enhanced transparency and uniformity in elections. Key changes include standardized language, font sizes, and photo requirements to ensure consistency across the voting process.
Key Takeaways
- New guidelines issued by ECI for ballot papers.
- Standardization for clarity and transparency.
- Details include font size, language, and photograph requirements.
- Maximum of 15 candidate names per sheet.
- White for parliamentary, pink for assembly ballots.
New Delhi, Sep 17 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has released new directives aimed at standardizing the design and printing of ballot papers utilized in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for both parliamentary and assembly elections.
This initiative is designed to enhance clarity, consistency, and transparency throughout the voting process.
The circular dispatched to all Chief Electoral Officers on Wednesday outlines the revised regulations concerning format, language, photographs, font size, paper color, and printing procedures for ballot papers. The Commission has stipulated that the details of elections—including constituency name, year, and type of election—will now be printed exclusively in English at the center of the ballot paper.
The serial number of the paper will be located in the top left corner, while the sheet number will be in the top right for instances where multiple sheets are necessary due to a larger number of candidates.
According to the letter signed by Under Secretary Abhishek Tiwari, “The names of the contesting candidates, including the NOTA option, shall be printed in the same language or languages used to prepare the list of contesting candidates. The CEO of the concerned State/UT shall select an appropriate font type for printing the names of candidates. The font size for all candidates’ names/NOTA should be consistent and suitably large.”
Each candidate’s panel will display the serial number (in international Indian numerals), name, colored photograph (size 2 cm x 2.5 cm), and election symbol.
“The serial number of the candidate will be represented in the international form of Indian numerals, with a font size of 30 printed in BOLD,” the letter indicated.
“Candidates' photographs must be in color (unless a black and white photograph is provided). The candidate's face should occupy three-fourths of the photograph's space,” it noted.
For ballot paper color, white sheets will be designated for parliamentary elections, while pink sheets will be used for assembly polls.
The ECI has standardized the GSM to 70 and specified the RGB code for pink paper to ensure uniformity.
The guidelines limit the number of candidate names on a single sheet to a maximum of 15, with the NOTA option placed after the last candidate.
If fewer than 16 names are listed, any remaining space will be left blank.
Printings will preferably occur at government or semi-government presses, though private presses may be utilized under stringent safeguards when necessary.
Point of View
It's clear that these revised guidelines from the ECI signify a positive step towards ensuring a more transparent and organized electoral process. Standardization in ballot design and printing will not only aid in the clarity of voting but also instill greater public trust in the electoral system. It's crucial that these measures are effectively implemented and monitored.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new guidelines for EVM ballot papers?
The ECI has introduced standardizations for design and printing, including details like format, language, font size, and color of ballot papers.
Why were these guidelines issued?
The guidelines were issued to enhance clarity, uniformity, and transparency in the voting process.
How many candidate names can appear on a single ballot sheet?
A maximum of 15 candidate names can appear on a single sheet, with the NOTA option placed after the last candidate.
What color paper will be used for parliamentary and assembly elections?
White sheets will be used for parliamentary elections, while pink sheets will be designated for assembly polls.
Where will the printing of ballot papers take place?
Printing will preferably be done at government or semi-government presses, with private presses allowed under strict safeguards.
