NEW DELHI: For the first time in Independent India, photo ballot paper will be used in an election. The new initiative, taken by the Election Commission, will be first implemented in the biennial election to the Bihar Legislative Council from the Local Authorities’ Constituencies.
The use of photo ballot paper is expected to minimise the confusion that could arise in the minds of the electors when candidates with same or similar names contest from the same constituency at the time of voting.
Accordingly, the Poll Panel has modified The Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 and specified that for all elections to be held from May 2015 onwards, the ballot papers will have the photographs of candidates. The polling for the 24 seats to the Legislative Council from the Local Authorities’ Constituencies in Bihar will be held on July 7. It will be first election to Legislative Council from the Local Authorities’ Constituencies where photo ballot paper will be used.