NOTA (short for “None of The Above”) is a frequently discussed option available to voters during elections. Supporters of the NOTA idea argue that it at least helps people exercise their right to vote when they don’t want to vote for any candidate. Opponents call this a “waste” of votes.
The NOTA option means that a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate won unopposed in the Surat Lok Sabha constituency and Congress candidate Akshay Kanti Bam withdrew his nomination at the last minute to join the BJP in Indore. The merger has been under scrutiny.
So what is this NOTA? Why was it introduced? Also, what are the arguments for and against? Here’s what you need to know about NOTA:
What is this NOTA?
The Election Commission of India introduced NOTA or ‘none of the above’ option on ballot papers and electronic voting machines (EVMs) in 2013. Since then, voters have been given the option to select NOTA in case they do not wish to do so. Vote for any of the candidates participating in national elections.
The NOTA symbol will be displayed on all EVMs and other ballot paper panels.
NOTA notes that a Supreme Court order from the same year directed the Election Commission to “make necessary provisions on the ballot papers/EVMs and the EVMs may have a separate button called ‘None of the above’ (NOTA).” It was introduced in September 2013 in response to the directive.
Also read: The story of NOTA in two assembly constituencies in Maharashtra.
Who designed the NOTA symbol?
The NOTA symbol was designed by the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad.
What is the purpose of NOTA?
The Election Commission stated that the main purpose of the NOTA option is to allow electors who do not wish to vote for any candidate to exercise their right not to vote for any candidate without violating the confidentiality of their decision. He said it was something to do.
On the other hand, the Supreme Court pointed out in its 2013 ruling that “the right to vote also includes the right not to vote, in other words, the right to refuse.”
The NOTA option “is intended to enable voters who come to the polling station and decide not to vote for any candidate in the contest to exercise their right not to vote while maintaining their right to confidentiality,” it said. Representation of the People Act, 1951 – ss. 79(d) and 128 – Constitution of India, 1950 – Article 19(1)(a).
Also read: How NOTA performed in parliamentary elections
What happens if NOTA gets the most votes?
According to current law, there are no legal consequences if NOTA receives a majority of votes. In such a situation, the next candidate would be declared the winner, Live Law reported.
What are the arguments in favor of NOTA?
NOTA’s philosophy revolves primarily around the importance of voters participating in democracy, by choosing not to vote for any candidate, and by expressing dissent or opposition to competing candidates. It’s related.
This option also helps reduce fake votes. Further, a need was felt to introduce NOTA to stop political parties from fielding tainted candidates.
Also read: Congress launches NOTA campaign in Indore after candidate withdraws nomination and defectes to Bharatiya Janata Party
The Democratic Reform Association, a non-political NGO, explained the importance of NOTA in several ways.
ADR first argued that introducing the NOTA button would increase public participation in the electoral process. On the second point, it said the NOTA option provides voters with “the right to express disapproval of the kinds of candidates that political parties are putting forward.”
“When political parties realize that many people disapprove of their candidates, a gradual institutional change occurs, forcing them to accept the people and their will to support their candidates. ‘They’re known for their integrity,’ ADR said.
In its third point, the ADR stressed the “urgent need for a negative vote” to preserve the country’s democracy. It is believed that choosing the NOTA option will “force political parties to nominate healthy candidates”.
What are the arguments against NOTA?
Many experts question the introduction of NOTA in the electoral process, saying that the purpose for which this option was introduced has not been fulfilled. They called NOTA a “toothless tiger” and had no influence on the outcome.
One of the main reasons is that even if NOTA wins 99 out of 100 votes in an election and a candidate gets 1 vote, that candidate will be declared the winner.
Also read: Congress launches NOTA campaign in Indore after candidate withdraws nomination and defectes to Bharatiya Janata Party
ADR chief Major General Anil Verma (retd.) told News PTI that NOTA should be made legally strong. He said the NOTA concept would put some pressure on political parties not to field tainted candidates. But nothing like that is happening.
“As far as crime is concerned, NOTA has brought no changes. In fact, the number of candidates with criminal cases has increased,” said the ADR chief.
“Unfortunately, it turned out to be a toothless tiger,” added Maj. Gen. Verma (retd.), adding that this option only provided a platform for political parties to air their dissent and anger for attention; He said it was not a thing.
However, he pointed out that the proportion of NOTA votes was higher in reserved constituencies. “Perhaps tribals and SCs have more grievances and therefore join NOTA in higher numbers,” he was quoted as saying.
How can NOTA be effective?
Former election commissioner OP Rawat said NOTA can be valid only if it receives more than 50 per cent votes in a seat.
“More than 50% of voters need to elect NOTA in their seats once to show the political establishment that they do not consider candidates with criminal records or other candidates who do not deserve their votes. Only after this “There will be pressure on Parliament and the elections. The commission will have to increase the amount and think about amending the law to make NOTA effective against election results,” OP Rawat said. he told PTI.
On the other hand, a recent petition was filed in the Supreme Court stating that if the maximum votes from a constituency are cast as “None of the Above” (NOTA), then the election must be declared “null and void” and a new election must be held. He asked for instructions on what should be done. Held for the constituency.
Taking this issue further, Axis India Chairman Pradeep Gupta said he believed candidates who lost to NOTA should not be given a chance to contest again. “…I believe that number will increase as well if rules are introduced to prohibit rejected candidates from contesting elections again,” he told PTI.
“…With no such rules, many voters are wondering what’s the point in choosing NOTA,” said Mr. Gupta.
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