The Election Commission of India (ECI) continues to refine election procedures, with a recent focus on the sequence of vote counting. The commission has introduced 30 key changes within the last six months. These changes focus on transparency, clarity, simplicity, and accuracy in the electoral process. Significant among them are the inclusion of candidates’ photos on EVMs and the prioritization of postal ballot counting before finalizing EVM results. These measures are aimed at addressing potential vulnerabilities and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
The ECI’s proactive approach is a response to past challenges, including scrutiny during recent elections, particularly the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. The ECI is responding to concerns raised by political parties. The aim is to prevent confusion, especially where victory margins are narrow in postal ballots, which could lead to accusations of irregularities. The changes in procedure address potential issues with postal ballot counting, especially in close contests. For example, the 2024 by-election in Nanded highlighted how a narrow margin could lead to complex scenarios.
The ECI’s decision to complete EVM counting only after postal ballot counting is a strategic move. This will be implemented in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. The EVM/VVPAT count will commence only after the postal ballot count is complete. This approach aims to ensure clarity. Postal ballots are counted first, and EVM counting follows, which is designed to eliminate any ambiguity that might arise from the timing difference between the two processes. The ECI has issued new guidelines for postal ballot counting to streamline the electoral process. Postal ballot counting will begin at 8 a.m., with EVM counting starting at 8:30 a.m. EVM/VVPAT counting will start when postal ballot counting concludes. This is particularly important given the increased number of postal ballots due to home voting. The ECI has directed Returning Officers (ROs) to ensure adequate resources for counting postal ballots. These recent efforts by the ECI are part of a broader set of initiatives to enhance the electoral process, including measures such as mobile deposit facilities for voters.