The importance of NOTA- Explained

India is celebrating its democracy with elections. While the people of India have shown immense enthusiasm to vote for their desired parties, there is still one more essential power that the voters have which often gets ignored and misunderstood. Yes, we are talking about the NOTA option that the voters get to see on the Electronic Voting Machines. What exactly is the NOTA option and what is its importance? Let's get back to the basics today and understand this special option, once and for all.

Understanding NOTA better

The option of None of the Above or NOTA is given to the voters alongside the choice of parties on the Electronic Voting Machines. Every individual in the country may not be satisfied with the given choices of candidates during elections. In that case, should a voter randomly cast his precious vote to just any party? Most certainly not. And, in order to create a choice for the people who are dissatisfied with the given options, the option of NOTA was introduced. This choice enables the voters who do not wish to cast a vote in favor of any party to register their dissatisfaction with the options available.

How was the option of NOTA introduced?

Not many people know but the option of NOTA is not age old. It was introduced just ten years ago. Before the year 2013, voters who wished to opt for a similar choice had to do it as per Rule 49-O of the Conduct of Elections. This process was different than simply clicking on a button. In situations of dissatisfaction with the available options, the voters had to fill out a form at the polling booth itself. Now, while this method was filled with hassles, but was also something that compromised on the secrecy of the voters.

It was in the year 2013, that PUCL, a civil rights organized, filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court of India, urging for the addition of an option that could eliminate such problems. Subsequently, the Election Commission of India was directed by the Supreme Court to add the option of None of the Above (NOTA) on both electronic voting machines and ballot papers.

Could abstaining from vote be an alternative?

No. In case a voter is dissatisfied from the option of candidates or parties available, choosing the option of NOTA is undoubtedly a better option than abstaining from vote. Additionally, it is crucial to understand that choosing NOTA has a completely different impact than abstaining from casting a vote. Advocates of this option and the Supreme Court of India itself. First things first, there could be many reasons for a citizen to abstain from voting rather than simply being discontent from the options. However, the option of NOTA makes it possible for the voters to cast their dissatisfaction loud and clear. Approving and disapproving the options are two distinct yet important choices, and through the option of NOTA, the voters get the opportunity to straightforwardly express their dissatisfaction.

Additionally, the option of NOTA plays another important role. An option like this ensures that there isn't any misuse of votes.

The option of NOTA was implemented for the very first time in the year 2013 at the time of the legislative elections. These elections were held in four states, namely, Rajasthan, Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, along with the UT of Delhi.

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