Lok Sabha Elections 2024: What is NOTA; Role and Importance of NOTA

In India's dynamic democratic system, the freedom to choose is an essential right. The "None of the Above", abbreviated as NOTA option, a prominent feature on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), embodies this right.

In the 2013 verdict of PUCL vs. Union of India, the Supreme Court of India instructed the Election Commission of India to incorporate the NOTA option in the elections for the Lok Sabha and corresponding state legislative assemblies.

The NOTA option gives voters the ability to abstain from supporting any candidate, while ensuring their decision remains confidential.

Understanding NOTA:

NOTA symbolizes the maturity of a democracy. Opting for NOTA indicates that the voter has chosen not to support any specific party or candidate. It is a strong expression of discontent with the options available.

It allows voters to voice dissatisfaction, especially when governments fail to meet basic needs. There are instances where entire villages have voted NOTA to protest against such failures.

Notably, if NOTA garners the most votes in a constituency, the candidate with the next highest vote count is declared victorious. This provision ensures the uninterrupted flow of the democratic process, even when a substantial portion of voters select NOTA.

The Journey of NOTA:

Prior to the inclusion of NOTA in EVMs, voters who wanted to reject all candidates had to complete Form 49-O at a polling station. However, this method jeopardized the confidentiality of the voter's choice as it wasn't anonymous.

The incorporation of NOTA in India was a result of a Supreme Court verdict on September 27, 2013. The court's ruling was intended to deter political parties from nominating corrupt candidates.

The bench also observed that the practice of negative voting is prevalent even in Parliament, where MPs have the choice to abstain from voting. The court's decision required the Election Commission of India (ECI) to incorporate a NOTA button on all EVMs.

In compliance with the order, the ECI introduced a NOTA symbol in 2015, created by the National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad.

In 2021, the Supreme Court asked the Election Commission about the legality of dismissing all candidates if NOTA wins the majority. In 2022, the Delhi State Election Commission stated that if NOTA gets the most votes, results won't be declared immediately.

Instead, a report will be sent to the State Election Commission for re-election on the concerned seats.

NOTA’s Debut in Indian Elections:

The "None of the Above" (NOTA) option made its debut in the 2013 legislative assembly elections conducted in four states—Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, as well as the union territory of Delhi.

NOTA, since its launch, has seen rising popularity in India, often outvoting some assembly candidates and even winners in some panchayat elections.

None of the Above (NOTA): FAQs

Q. What happens if the "None of the Above" (NOTA) option receives the most votes in a constituency during an election ?

A. If the "None of the Above" (NOTA) option secures the majority of votes in a constituency, the candidate with the second highest number of votes is announced as the winner.

Q. What is NOTA ?

A. The NOTA option empowers voters to withhold their support for any candidate while maintaining the secrecy of their decision.

Q. When was NOTA introduced in India ?

A. NOTA was introduced in 2013 as an option in the elections for the Lok Sabha and corresponding state legislative assemblies.

ALSO READ: Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 2: Voting in 5 Constituencies Across Assam and 1 in Tripura on April 26

ALSO WATCH: