Daily News And Views
The vote: Nearly 1.45 lakh Mumbaikars expressed their frustration with the government in these assembly elections by punching None of the Above (NOTA) — an option that saw a 113% jump in votes from 2014. NOTA emerged as the runner-up in two seats in Maharashtra — Latur (rural) and Palus-Kadegaon — and in six Haryana seats was either more than or close to the victory margin of the winning candidate. There were more NOTA votes in Haryana and Maharashtra than what the Aam Aadmi Party could manage.
The option: The option of NOTA was introduced in the 2013 assembly elections for the first time following a Supreme Court order. Before NOTA, if a voter decided not to vote for any candidate, he/she had to inform the presiding officer of his/her decision. The SC ruled that this went against the freedom of expression and the secrecy of voting.
The idea: “When political parties will realise that a large number of people are expressing their disapproval with the candidates being put up by them, gradually there will be a systemic change and parties will be forced to field candidates who are known for their integrity,” the apex court had said.
The message: NOTA is a negative vote and a tool of political dissent to express disillusionment with the ruling party. It also tells the opposition that for the NOTA voter there is no worthwhile alternative candidate or party to turn to. The ‘no vote’ is also about participating in the electoral process instead of just sitting out of it. That your voting helps cut down bogus voting is also a bonus.
