From voter slips to ECINET: 31 new steps to boost election transparency

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday directed that postal ballots must be counted fully before the penultimate round of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) counting begins, adding to what has become its most ambitious reform drive in recent memory.

- ABHINANDAN MISHRA

With this, and the recent launch of an e-verification facility for online submission of forms such as Form 7 for voter deletions, the poll body has rolled out 31 initiatives in just six months.

Officials said the postal ballot order removes ambiguity in result sequencing, especially as their numbers have risen sharply with the introduction of home voting for persons with disabilities and citizens above 85 years.

Until now, EVM counting could finish before postal ballots, creating confusion in close contests. Returning Officers have been told to deploy adequate staff to prevent delays.

The reform spree began after Gyanesh Kumar took charge as Chief Election Commissioner on 19 February. Measures range from voter convenience and internal discipline to technological upgrades and global outreach.