The possibility of ‘None of The Above’
April 10 2014
Elections are interesting times in India when the political rhetoric in the Indian masses is at its highest. Loathe-it or love-it, one definitely cannot ignore the cacophony of political voices that ensue before every elections. However, often, there is prevailing sense of dissatisfaction ranging from the quality of debate to even the representatives one is supposed to choose from to govern for the next five years. There has been consistent pleas by individuals and sustained efforts by organisations to get the ‘None of the Above’ (NOTA) option included in the ballot papers.
The Code of Election Rules, 1961 Rule 49-O states that “Elector deciding not to vote.-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.” A proposal to include NOTA was also made by the Commission in 2001 (vide letter dated 10.12.2001) and later recommended again by the Commission in 2004 under ‘Proposed Electoral Reforms’. However, till 2013, this option did not exist for the Indian voters. This option was included by the Election Commission on 11th October, 2013, post the Supreme Court’s direction based on its judgement on the 27th of September, 2013 (in Writ Petition ( C ) No. 161 of 2004, People’s Union for Civil Liberties & Anr. Vs Union of India &Anr).
In a setting where the individual voice gets lost in the mass generalisation of numbers in the form of election results, NOTA is one way to reaffirm one’s freedom of choice and belief in the democratic system. It will not lead to disqualification of the candidates, expensive re-elections, even if a large percentage of percentage of the voters select NOTA. In a First Past the Post System, where candidates coming into power secure lesser and lesser vote shares, NOTA is a tool without political power. However, its strength lies in the moral potential it offers. It is a registration of an individual or individuals’ complete rejection of the candidates and political parties contesting. The results of NOTA in the 16th Lok Sabha elections will be very interesting for psephologists bringing with them the potential for greater electoral reforms, especially if the numbers are strong enough. The numbers represent a mass of population who took the effort to come out and register their dissent rather than callously ignore elections all together. While the major problem rests in mobilising these numbers, I chose not to be cynical. Awareness and the knowledge of discontent demonstrated by numbers has the power to bring about change.
NOTA is not a full proof system and is riddled with systemic and practical issues. However, it is a reaffirmation of the moral stand to reject in politics.
Elections are interesting times in India when the political rhetoric in the Indian masses is at its highest. Loathe-it or love-it, one definitely cannot ignore the cacophony of political voices that ensue before every elections. However, often, there is prevailing sense of dissatisfaction ranging...
Elections are interesting times in India when the political rhetoric in the Indian masses is at its highest. Loathe-it or love-it, one definitely cannot ignore the cacophony of political voices that ensue before every elections. However, often, there is prevailing sense of dissatisfaction ranging from the quality of debate to even the representatives one is supposed to choose from to govern for the next five years. There has been consistent pleas by individuals and sustained efforts by organisations to get the ‘None of the Above’ (NOTA) option included in the ballot papers.
The Code of Election Rules, 1961 Rule 49-O states that “Elector deciding not to vote.-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.” A proposal to include NOTA was also made by the Commission in 2001 (vide letter dated 10.12.2001) and later recommended again by the Commission in 2004 under ‘Proposed Electoral Reforms’. However, till 2013, this option did not exist for the Indian voters. This option was included by the Election Commission on 11th October, 2013, post the Supreme Court’s direction based on its judgement on the 27th of September, 2013 (in Writ Petition ( C ) No. 161 of 2004, People’s Union for Civil Liberties & Anr. Vs Union of India &Anr).
In a setting where the individual voice gets lost in the mass generalisation of numbers in the form of election results, NOTA is one way to reaffirm one’s freedom of choice and belief in the democratic system. It will not lead to disqualification of the candidates, expensive re-elections, even if a large percentage of percentage of the voters select NOTA. In a First Past the Post System, where candidates coming into power secure lesser and lesser vote shares, NOTA is a tool without political power. However, its strength lies in the moral potential it offers. It is a registration of an individual or individuals’ complete rejection of the candidates and political parties contesting. The results of NOTA in the 16th Lok Sabha elections will be very interesting for psephologists bringing with them the potential for greater electoral reforms, especially if the numbers are strong enough. The numbers represent a mass of population who took the effort to come out and register their dissent rather than callously ignore elections all together. While the major problem rests in mobilising these numbers, I chose not to be cynical. Awareness and the knowledge of discontent demonstrated by numbers has the power to bring about change.
NOTA is not a full proof system and is riddled with systemic and practical issues. However, it is a reaffirmation of the moral stand to reject in politics.
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