The Election Commission of India (ECI) has been making significant adjustments to election protocols, with a series of 30 changes introduced in the past six months. These modifications aim to improve the transparency, clarity, and accuracy of the voting process. From enhanced EVM displays to the recent decision to delay the finalization of EVM results until after postal ballots are counted, each step underscores the ECI’s commitment to a fair and robust election system.
The ECI’s actions are driven by a need for greater transparency, as well as responses to critiques. This is particularly relevant in the context of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. The commission has been closely monitoring potential issues raised by various parties, including the need for more clarity in the process. The underlying concern is that close victories, particularly those determined by postal ballots, could be more susceptible to allegations of manipulation. The ECI is implementing changes to address this.
Close results and issues surrounding postal ballot counting have emphasized the need for these measures. In the Nanded Lok Sabha by-election in 2024, the thin margin of victory underscored the critical need to build trust in the process. The ECI’s directive to conduct EVM counting only after postal ballots have been tallied is designed to build confidence. This practice will be introduced in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, where the counting of EVM/VVPAT votes will begin only after postal ballot counting is complete. The earlier practices had room for confusion because of the timeline. With the new procedure, postal ballots will be counted first. The ECI has issued new guidelines to refine the electoral process, including a more organized and clear approach to counting. Postal ballot counting will start at 8 a.m., with EVM counting at 8:30 a.m. The final EVM/VVPAT count will begin when the postal ballot count has been finalized. The decision takes into account that more postal ballots are in circulation due to initiatives like home voting for seniors and the disabled. To facilitate this process, sufficient tables and counting staff will be deployed. The Election Commission’s latest efforts align with prior initiatives to improve the voting process.