india

Updated: Mar 10, 2019 19:41 IST

Chief election commissioner Sunil Arora on Sunday announced a range of measures to make voting a smooth process in the 2019 general elections including the provision of photographs of candidates on EVM ballot paper to make sure the voter knows who he or she is voting for.

In order to facilitate the electors in identifying the candidates, the Commission has prescribed an additional measure by way of adding provision for printing the photograph of candidate also on the ballot paper to be displayed on the EVM (Ballot Unit) and on Postal Ballot Papers.

“This will help avoid any confusion, which may arise when candidates with same or similar names contest from the same constituency. For this purpose, the candidates are required to submit to the Returning Officer, their recent stamp size photograph as per the specifications laid down by the Commission,” CEC Arora said.

Also read: Lok Sabha election 2019 schedule:VVPAT in all polling stations, says EC

There will be approximately 10 lakh polling booths across the country where the facility will b e used.

With nearly 90 crore voters across 10 lakh booths in 543 constituencies, India is set to hold its 17th Lok Sabha elections over the next few weeks.

Lok Sabha elections will begin on April 11 and will be held over seven phases. Votes will be counted on May 23, the Election Commission announced on Sunday. Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim will be held along with the Lok Sabha elections.