Preventing Fraud in the World’s Largest Election – Indelible Ink that Lasts

Image source: India Today

In recent decades, India has been using a type of ink made primarily from silver nitrate to verify voters after they have cast their ballots, aiming to prevent re-voting and fraud. This ink, when exposed to sunlight, permeates the skin and nails, making it impossible to erase for several weeks.

Established in 1937, Mysore Paints And Varnish, a government-owned company in Karnataka, is the only authorized producer of election ink in India. Vishalakshi K, the company’s product quality manager, revealed that Uttar Pradesh is the largest customer, while Lakshadweep Island orders the smallest quantity, just 110 bottles.

According to India Times, the Election Commission of India sells each bottle of ink for 174 rupees (approximately 51,000 Vietnamese dong). After each round of voting, Mysore Paints And Varnish earns over 7 million USD.

Apart from India, more than 30 other countries also utilize Mysore Paints’ election ink.

To remove the ink stains, voters often resort to makeup remover, lemon juice, or raw papaya, but these methods are usually ineffective. Mohammed Irfan, the company’s CEO, stated that election officials must clean the voters’ fingers before applying the ink to ensure its durability and prevent anyone from cleaning it off.

Election ink was first used in India during the 1962 Lower House elections. Since its introduction, the use of election ink has become a standard practice in Indian elections, ensuring fairness and transparency in the voting process.

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