The Hindu : Front Page : You can decide not to vote

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Apr 04, 2006

Front Page

Front Page

You can decide not to vote

S. Dorairaj

Even if the EVM does not offer the choice, voters can register ``No vote". — Photo : S. Thanthoni

CHENNAI: Election fever is sweeping Tamil Nadu with two major electoral combines and smaller parties reeling out promises. Most parties have released their manifestos and the lists of candidates for the May 8 Assembly elections.

It is now time for the voters to weigh the merits and demerits of the candidates. Suggestions have been made to make voting compulsory.

But if the electors decide that none of the candidates is worth their vote, can they officially register their decision?

Yes, says the Election Commission.

Chief Electoral Officer Naresh Gupta said on Monday that some non-governmental organisations wanted the option of "negative voting" by providing an extra button in the electronic voting machines that says "none of the above" clause.

Though there was no scope for negative voting now, as the issue is before the Supreme Court, there were provisions for electors to register their decision not to vote.

According to Rule 49-O of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, if an elector whose roll number has been entered in the register of electoral rolls in Form 17A, decides not to vote, a remark to this effect shall be made against the said entry by the Presiding Officer and the signature and thumb impression of the elector shall be obtained against such remark, he said.

Officers to be sensitised

All Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, Presiding Officers and Polling Officers would be sensitised to the provisions, he said.

Catalyst Trust, an NGO, had requested the Election Commission to publicise this provision. However, adequate security would have to be provided for such brave voters, an observer said.

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