Question

Consider the following statements regarding NOTA (None of the Above) option:

1. NOTA allows voters to reject all candidates and such votes can invalidate the election.

2. NOTA was mandated by the Supreme Court in 2013 and introduced in electronic voting machines soon after.

3. The NOTA button’s original color was pink, later changed to white for parliamentary elections.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 2 and 3 only

NOTA Option in Indian Elections

• The introduction of the 'None of the Above' (NOTA) option in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) was a significant development in the Indian electoral process.
• Supreme Court Mandate: The Supreme Court of India, in its landmark judgment in the People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) v. Union of India (2013) case, directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to include the NOTA option.
• Purpose of NOTA: The primary aim of NOTA is to allow voters to express their dissatisfaction with all contesting candidates, thereby encouraging political parties to nominate better candidates in the future.
• Impact on Elections: While NOTA allows voters to reject all candidates, it does not invalidate an election. The candidate with the highest number of votes, even if less than NOTA votes, is declared the winner.
• Introduction in EVMs: Following the Supreme Court's directive, the NOTA option was implemented in EVMs for the first time in the state assembly elections of December 2013.
• Color of NOTA Button: The NOTA button on the EVM was initially designed with a pink color. However, for subsequent parliamentary elections, its color was changed to white to maintain consistency with the color of other candidate buttons.
• Constitutional Right: The Supreme Court clarified that the right to vote includes the right to reject candidates, and NOTA is a means to facilitate this right.