NOTA to debut in district council poll in Meghalaya

Staff Correspondent

Shillong: The Government of Meghalaya has notified that none of the above (NOTA) will be used in the upcoming general elections to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC).

While ballot papers will continue to be in use for the February 27 polls to the district councils, the government notifications categorically stated today, “That the None of the Above (NOTA) option is introduced in the elections to the three Autonomous District Council in the State subject to the condition that even if, in any extreme case, the number of voters against NOTA is more than the number of voters secured by the candidates, the candidate who secures the largest number of votes among the contesting candidates shall be declared to be elected.”

Enlightening the voters on NOTA in the upcoming district council polls, the notifications stated, “After the panel, containing the name and particulars of the last candidate on the ballot paper, there shall be a panel below the said last panel with the words ‘None of the Above’ written therein for the benefit of those electors who may wish to exercise the option of not voting for any of the candidates in the fray.

These words shall be written in the same language or languages as used in the case of names of candidates. The size of the panel shall be the same as in the case of the candidates. The symbol and other procedures in respect of NOTA shall be as prescribed by the Election Commission of India from time to time.

It may be mentioned that the last date for filing of nominations is February 8 before 3:00 pm, date of scrutiny of nomination papers is February 8, after 3:00 pm, last date for withdrawal of nomination papers is February 9, finalization and publication of valid nomination and allocation of symbol is February 12.

Meanwhile , The Deputy Commissioner (Election), East Khasi Hills District, Shillong has under Section 144 CrPC directed all arms license holders to deposit their arm(s)/weapon(s) at the nearest police stations/outpost/beat-house for a peaceful, free and fair conduct of the ensuing general elections to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council.

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