ECI Rule Change: New postal ballot counting rules to be implemented from Bihar Elections

New Delhi: In order to increase transparency in Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, the Election Commission (ECI) has made a major change to the postal ballot counting process. It will now ensure that the final phase of EVM counting does not begin before the completion of postal ballot counting. Previously, the practice was to begin postal ballot counting at 8 am on the counting day, and EVM counting also began at 8:30 am under the old rules, EVM counting could be completed before the completion of postal ballot counting. Under the new rule, the final EVM count will begin only after the completion of postal ballot counting, ensuring greater transparency and uniformity in the counting process. Election Commission launches e-sign feature, Aadhaar-linked mobile number required for voter registration First Implemented in Bihar The new system will be first implemented in the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections, scheduled to be held in November. The Commission has clarified that this change will make the counting process more consistent and transparent. This will prevent any confusion among voters and candidates. Provision of Adequate Resources The Election Commission has also issued instructions that in constituencies with a high number of postal ballots, adequate tables and counting personnel should be deployed. This is intended to prevent delays in counting and ensure a timely and streamlined process. Increase in the Number of Postal Ballots The Commission stated that the recent introduction of home voting for disabled voters and senior citizens over 85 years of age has led to a significant increase in the number of postal ballots. Consequently, streamlining the counting process has become extremely important. SC rejects YSR Congress plea challenging postal ballot norms relaxation by EC in AP Transparency and Trust The Election Commission believes that this new step will further strengthen public confidence in the electoral process. The decision to suspend the final EVM count until the completion of postal ballot counting assures all candidates and political parties that there will be no haste or inequity in the counting process. This move by the Election Commission will not only make the counting process more transparent but also strengthen the environment of trust between voters and candidates. The Bihar Assembly elections will be the first test of this change, and its results will have a significant impact on election management across the country.