What is NOTA? Is NOTA Good Or Bad? Explained

What is NOTA: By choosing 'None of the Above' (NOTA), voters signal their disapproval of all running candidates.

Choosing NOTA indicates a voter has refrained from supporting a particular party or candidate. If NOTA garners the most votes in a particular constituency, the candidate with the second-most votes wins.

The Supreme Court of India ruled on September 27, 2013 that all electronic voting machines (EVMs) will include a button for NOTA.

A special symbol appears in the last panel of all Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to facilitate the selection of 'None of the Above.

The inclusion of NOTA votes was based on the belief that providing an avenue to express dissatisfaction would encourage greater participation in the democratic process.

It has no arithmetic value towards the final tally, but can be used to express dissatisfaction with a candidate.

Check Out: As India Heads To The Polls, Modi BJP Poised For Growth In Opposition-Ruled Tamil Nadu

The power devoted to NOTA has become problematic since its implementation. It is more of a choice than achieving a strong outcome. If you plan to cast NOTA in the upcoming elections, there are things you should keep in mind. If a majority vote is NOTA, then the next highest vote-getter will be declared the winner.

Arappor Iyakkam’s convenor Jayaram Venkatesan says, “NOTA was envisioned in a way that if it wins, it means that the majority of the people do not have belief in the candidate, therefore the parties should be forced to change the candidate to someone better. It acts as a way of reforming electoral politics.”

There are a few citizens who consider NOTA a waste of rights exercised due to its lack of constructive power. Over a decade later, several amendments have been passed, but the option has still not been fully explored. Researchers and NOTA casters discuss the reasons, the results, and the future of NOTA.

In Tamil Nadu, until 2022, NOTA were not included in the EVMs used for by-elections. In July 2022, a GO was passed requiring that voting machines have NOTA even in local body elections following various efforts by organizations like Arappor and politically aware individuals.

Only after eight years has NOTA become a part of all forms of elections, at least in the state, Jayaram believes. “Now, when we as a society move from representative democracy to direct democracy NOTA will have its due power,” he concludes.

Check Out: Lok Sabha Elections Phase 1 2024 Updates: Approx 25% Voter Turnout Till 11 AM