Fwd: 49-O - 'Right to Reject' - JOIN THE DEBATE

[Praneet Sushil]

 

http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/Ndtv-Show-Special.aspx?ID=3&ch=w567567567567

 

Can voters have the choice of rejecting election candidates? With a choice of pressing a button on the Electronic Voting Machine that says 'None of the Above'? The Election Commission thinks it's a good idea. So do those fighting for electoral reforms. For this to happen, Parliament has to amend the law. But the Centre is not in favour of this. There has been a lot of confusion among people on what casting a negative vote under 49-O really means…

What is 49-O?

This is a Section in the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961. The rulebook says:

49-O: Elector deciding not to vote - If an elector, after his electoral roll number has been duly entered in the register of voters in Form-17A and has put his signature or thumb impression thereon as required under sub-rule (1) of rule 49L, decided not to record his vote, a remark to this effect shall be made against the said entry in Form 17A by the presiding officer and the signature or thumb impression of the elector shall be obtained against such remark.

What does 49-O really amount to for the voter?

Only a forum to voice his disapproval of the choice of candidates he has and to record that he is abstaining from voting