The Election Commission of India (ECI) has been implementing numerous changes to election procedures, with 30 modifications made in the past six months aimed at enhancing transparency, clarity, and accuracy. These changes, ranging from the inclusion of candidates’ photos in EVMs to the decision to complete EVM counting only after postal ballots are tallied, are significant. This move reflects a proactive approach by the ECI, akin to a cautious stance to avoid potential controversies.
The ECI is taking these steps in light of allegations and scrutiny, particularly concerning the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. The commission is responding to issues raised by opposition parties and suggestions for increased transparency. The context is drawn from the understanding that the margins in postal ballot results can be narrow, potentially inviting allegations. Questions have been raised about postal ballot counting, especially when the winning margin is small. The 2024 by-election in the Nanded Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra serves as an example, where a close victory highlighted these concerns.
The ECI’s decision to complete EVM counting after postal ballots aims to address these issues. This policy will be implemented in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, where the final EVM/VVPAT count will begin only after postal ballot counting is complete. Previously, EVM counting could occur before postal ballot counting, sometimes leading to confusion due to time differences. The ECI believes that issuing new guidelines for postal ballot counting is a significant step towards streamlining the electoral process, reducing delays, and increasing clarity in the vote counting procedure. Postal ballot counting will start at 8 a.m., followed by EVM counting at 8:30 a.m. EVM/VVPAT counting will commence only after postal ballots have been counted. This is particularly important given the increase in postal ballots due to home voting for senior citizens and people with disabilities. To ensure a smooth counting process, the ECI has directed Returning Officers (ROs) to ensure sufficient tables and counting staff, especially in cases with a high number of postal ballots. This is the 30th initiative by the ECI in the last six months aimed at streamlining and improving the election process, following earlier measures like mobile deposit facilities for voters, webcasting of polling stations, and better use of technology.