New Delhi, Sep 25: In a significant move to enhance transparency and efficiency in the electoral process, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday announced its 30th major initiative in the past six months: a new directive aimed at streamlining the counting of postal ballots.

The directive, detailed in an official press note, seeks to reduce delays and ensure greater clarity and uniformity during vote counting. It comes in response to a notable rise in postal ballots, driven by recent reforms such as home voting for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and senior citizens aged over 85.

While postal ballots are typically counted before votes from Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), the new measure formalizes this sequence.

According to the 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.”

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To prevent delays, especially in constituencies with a high volume of postal ballots, the Commission has instructed Returning Officers (ROs) to ensure adequate counting tables and staff are deployed.

This latest measure is part of a broader reform agenda undertaken by the ECI over the last half-year.

The previous 29 initiatives have focused on improving voter convenience, strengthening electoral systems, and leveraging technology. Key reforms include:
- Introduction of a mobile deposit facility for voters
- Delisting of 808 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)
- Capping electors per polling station at 1,200 to reduce crowding
- Issuance of Standard Photo ID Cards to Booth Level Officers (BLOs)
- Conducting 4,719 all-party meetings nationwide at ERO, DEO, and CEO levels
- Launch of the ECINET digital platform

The new directive underscores the Commission’s continued commitment to refining electoral operations and ensuring a fair, transparent, and efficient voting process.