Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Poll panel ruling

This refers to the Election Commission’s ruling that MPs and MLAs can abstain from voting in the Presidential election and that they will not attract disqualification. Exercising one’s franchise is a national duty and responsibility in a democracy. It is time election rules were amended to make voting compulsory, and voters given the option of exercising a negative vote. The number of negative votes cast should determine the validity of the election held.

K. Balasundram,
Dharmapuri

The UNPA’s decision not to vote for either of the Presidential candidates reflects the mood of the ordinary voter. Vexed with the general level and quality of governance, the discriminating voter does not like to vote for anyone unless he reminds himself of the so-called duty of a good citizen.

Now that the UNPA has shown the way, voters can follow the innovative and illustrious example in the general elections of 2009.

M.L. Kantha Rao,
Hyderabad

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