Indian voters have been empowered with the option of NOTA, or “none of the above,” in most elections since 2013. NOTA allows citizens to express their dissatisfaction by abstaining from voting for any of the candidates contesting in the elections. The introduction of NOTA aimed to encourage more participation in the democratic process by providing an avenue for citizens to voice their discontent.
A NOTA vote is considered neutral and does not contribute to the final tally of votes, distinguishing it from a negative vote. Despite its zero arithmetic value, the Supreme Court’s 2013 ruling emphasised that including NOTA would compel political parties to nominate more qualified candidates. This underscores NOTA’s symbolic importance in holding political parties accountable for candidate selection.
Symbol For NOTA
The Election Commission of India introduced the NOTA option on ballot papers displayed on EVMs and all other ballot papers with effect from October 11, 2013. A specific symbol like other election symbols was also introduced by the ECI to facilitate the voters in exercising their NOTA option. This symbol appears in the last panel on all EVMs and the other ballot papers. This NOTA option was first used in 2013 during the assembly elections of Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh and Delhi.
What Happens When People Vote For NOTA
Despite its zero arithmetic value, if 100 per cent of voters opt for NOTA, then there will have to be a re-election. But, even if one voter casts his vote, the candidate getting that vote will get elected.
Lok Sabha Elections 2024
The high-stake Lok Sabha polls for 543 seats will take place in seven phases, beginning from April 19. In the first phase, the elections will be held in 102 Lok Sabha constituencies across 21 States and Union Territories. The second phase will go to polls on April 26, followed by subsequent phases on May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1. The counting of votes will take place on June 4. According to the Election Commissioner of India, over 96.8 crore voters will be eligible to cast their vote in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. As the preparations are in full swing, over 10.5 lakh polling stations have been set up across India