No symbol against NOTA option on EVMs

For the first time,electronic voting machines (EVMs) will have a button for NOTA None of the above option for the electorate to reject all candidates if they want.

For the first time,electronic voting machines (EVMs) will have a button for NOTA None of the above option for the electorate to reject all candidates if they want. But unlike having symbols of political parties against the names of candidates,there will be no symbol against the NOTA option,with only None of the above printed on EVMs.

Following a Supreme Court order directing the Election Commission of India (ECI) to make provision for electors to exercise their right to not vote without violation of the secrecy of their decision,the poll panel has now written to chief electoral officers of all states and Union territories,directing them to implement the NOTA option on EVMs/ballot papers.

Adding a clause in Chapter X of the Handbook for Returning Officers that gives directions regarding the form and language of the postal ballot papers and the ballot papers to be affixed on the balloting unit of EVMs,ECI has said None of the above option will be provided at the bottom of the panel on EVMs or as the last row in ballot papers after all the candidates have been listed with their respective symbols in the same language used to list the candidates. Likewise,contours of the NOTA panel will be identical to that given to each candidate.

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An ECI spokesperson clarified that None of the above will not be translated into other languages used in the ballot paper,but that the same words shall be written in the same language or languages as used in the case of names of candidates.

ECI also clarified that in the extreme case of the NOTA option polling more votes than any of the candidates in fray,the candidate with the maximum number of votes will be declared the winner.

The NOTA option has been made mandatory by the Supreme Court,directing ECI to provide the option at the end of the list of candidates.

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No symbol against NOTA option on EVMs

For the first time,electronic voting machines (EVMs) will have a button for NOTA  None of the above option for the electorate to reject all candidates if they want.

For the first time,electronic voting machines (EVMs) will have a button for NOTA None of the above option for the electorate to reject all candidates if they want.