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Key Points

The Election Commission of India has rolled out a new directive to make vote counting more efficient. This move specifically targets the postal ballot process, which has seen a surge in use. The rule formalizes that postal ballots must be completely counted before the final rounds of EVM counting begin. This is the latest in a series of 30 reforms the ECI has introduced to improve elections.

Key Points: ECI Streamlines Vote Counting Process with New Postal Ballot Directive

  • New directive ensures postal ballots are fully counted before final EVM rounds
  • Aims to reduce delays caused by rising postal ballot numbers
  • Mandates sufficient counting staff and tables for large ballot batches
  • Part of ECI's 30th major electoral reform initiative in six months
2 min read

ECI issues new directive to streamline vote counting process

The Election Commission of India issues a new directive to formalize and speed up postal ballot counting, a key step in its ongoing electoral reforms.

"The penultimate round of EVM/VVPATs counting shall be taken up only after the counting of Postal Ballot Papers is completed - Election Commission of India"

New Delhi, Sep 25

The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Thursday, its 30th major initiative in the last six months, a new directive aimed at streamlining the vote counting process, particularly for postal ballots. 

The move, outlined in a press note, seeks to reduce delays and ensure greater clarity and uniformity during the counting of votes.

The ECI’s decision comes in response to a significant increase in the number of postal ballots, a result of recent initiatives like home voting for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and senior citizens over 85.

While the counting of postal ballots typically concludes before the counting of votes from Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), the new measure is designed to formalise this process.

Under the new directive, “The penultimate (second last) round of EVM/VVPATs counting shall be taken up only after the counting of Postal Ballot Papers is completed, at the counting centre, where postal ballot counting is being done”, the ECI said in its press note.

The poll-panel has also directed that “in cases where there are a large number of postal ballots, the ROs are to ensure that sufficient number of tables and counting staff are in place so there is no delay, and the counting process is further streamlined.”

The press note highlights this as a key step in further streamlining the entire process.

This initiative is part of a broader series of electoral reforms undertaken by the ECI over the past half-year.

These 29 previous measures have included initiatives to improve convenience for electors, strengthen electoral systems, and enhance the use of technology.

Among these are a mobile deposit facility for voters, the delisting of 808 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs), not more than 1,200 electors per polling station to reduce crowding, issuance of Standard Photo ID Cards to BLOs, 4,719 all-party meetings held nationwide at EROs, DEOs and CEOs levels, launch of the ECINET digital platform and others.

The new directive on postal ballots reinforces the ECI's ongoing commitment to improving the efficiency and transparency of the electoral system.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Appreciate the focus on senior citizens and PwDs. My grandmother voted from home for the first time - such initiatives make democracy more inclusive. Hope the implementation is smooth across all states.
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Aman W
30 initiatives in 6 months? That's impressive pace! The ECINET platform and delisting of fake parties were particularly important steps. Our election system is becoming world-class.
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Sarah B
While I appreciate the reforms, I hope ECI also focuses on training counting staff properly. In smaller towns, implementation gaps remain. The directive is good but execution matters more.
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Vikram M
Reducing polling station crowding to 1200 voters maximum was a game-changer during last elections. ECI's continuous improvements show commitment to democratic values. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Nikhil C
Good move, but what about ensuring the security of postal ballots during transportation? That's equally important. Hope ECI has considered all aspects of the process.

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