Bihar To Get Coloured Photos On EVMs, Polls To Be Over By Nov 22: CEC Announces Key Reforms

The Election Commission of India on Sunday announced a series of significant electoral reforms, with Bihar set to become the first state to feature coloured photographs of candidates on EVM ballot papers. Addressing a press conference in Patna, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar confirmed that the entire election process in the state will be concluded by November 22 and detailed new measures aimed at enhancing voter convenience and transparency.

The CEC explained that the move to coloured photographs was a direct response to voter feedback. “When the ballot paper is inserted into the EVM, the photo on it is black and white, making it difficult to identify, even though the election symbol remains,” Kumar said. He announced that starting with the Bihar elections, the serial numbers on the ballot paper will also be printed in a larger font to improve readability.

These changes will subsequently be implemented across the country.Kumar expressed satisfaction with the recently concluded Systematic Identification and Revision (SIR) exercise, which updated the voter rolls with the help of newly trained Booth Level Officers (BLOs). He made a heartfelt appeal to the electorate, urging them to participate with vigor. “I appeal to all the voters of Bihar to celebrate this festival of democracy with the same enthusiasm as you celebrate Chhath. Everyone should vote and ensure their participation,” he said.

In addition to the EVM updates, the Commission has introduced several other reforms to streamline polling. No polling station will now have more than 1,200 registered voters. In a move to enhance security and focus, mobile phones will have to be deposited in a separate room outside the polling booths. Furthermore, to ensure complete transparency and real-time monitoring, the CEC announced that there will be 100 percent webcasting at every polling station across Bihar.