Photographs of Candidates on EVM Ballot Paper

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 16, 2024

In order to facilitate the electors in identifying the candidates, the Election Commission of India has prescribed an additional measure by way of adding provision for printing the photograph of candidate on the Ballot Paper to be displayed on the EVM (Ballot Unit) and on Postal Ballot Papers.

According to press release issued on Saturday, the Commission informed that this measure will help voters to avoid any confusion, which may arise when candidates with same or similar names contest from the same constituency.

The Commission also informed for the said purpose, the candidates are required to submit to the Returning Officer, their recent stamp-size photograph as per the specifications laid down by the Commission.

The Commission informed as usual, there will be ‘None of the Above’ option for the electors. On the Ballot Unit, below the name of the last candidate, there will be a button for NOTA option so that voters who do not want to vote for any of the candidates can exercise their option by pressing the button against NOTA. Similarly, on Postal Ballot Papers there will be a NOTA Panel after the name of the last candidate. The symbol for NOTA as given below will be printed against the NOTA Panel. As part of the SVEEP, there are awareness programmes to bring this option to the knowledge of electors and all other stakeholders.