It is election time in India and most of my time at home is spent watching the crazy game of politics. The election time brings out the worst from the political parties and individuals. Verbal clashes, radical remarks and finger pointing are few of the strategies of the game. Everyone does it. I cannot think of any party that is failing to use these tactics and get votes from those who get inspired from such comments. To worsen the matters, individuals who are no less than criminals or crooks are seen wearing Nehru topi and Khadi kurta begging for votes. The superficial smile and polite speech fails to hide their true being.
Today, the voter is well aware of the circumstances. He is updated with all the pros and cons of each candidate. While He can identify the wrong candidates, the problem to pick the right candidate is still outstanding. Nobody seems like a good candidate. The voter is left to pick the best of the worst. To help pick the right candidate, the election commission is seriously considering the option of providing a NOTA (None Of The Above) option to voters. This will give the power to ensure that wrong candidates are not picked. I saw on “Lok Sabha” channel that the EC has recommended the Government to have the NOTA option for voters. As per the NOTA option, voters can choose to pick NOTA if they do not like any of the candidates on the voting sheet. If the NOTA votes are 50% or more, then there will be a reelection and the candidates in the previous election CANNOT run for the reelection.
The NOTA option will open the door to millions of voters who find the candidates ridiculous and worthless. A majority of voters do not show up at the voting station since they do not agree with the nomination list. These voters should be encouraged if NOTA is applied. Their voice will be heard and their votes will be counted. These voters should turn up at the voting stations and cast their votes. A no show at the voting station will not be counted as a NOTA vote and hence we can truly say that each vote will count. Also, this law will be different than Rule 49-O. Rule 49-O states that
“If an elector, after his electoral roll number has been duly entered in the register of voters in Form-17A and has put his signature or thumb impression thereon as required under sub-rule (1) of rule 49L, decided not to record his vote, a remark to this effect shall be made against the said entry in Form 17A by the presiding officer and the signature or thumb impression of the elector shall be obtained against such remark”
Unlike Rule 49-O, NOTA will protect the identity of the voter. Also, the votes will count and can impact the result if they hold more than 50% of the votes. I hope that the NOTA option is implemented in the upcoming elections. And if so, I request all those who are skeptical about voting to go and cast their vote.
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