In recent state election results, more voters of Jammu and Kashmir opted for the ‘None of the Above’ (NOTA) option in comparison to those in Haryana, as per the data from the Election Commission. The use of NOTA allows voters to reject all the candidates on the ballot, however this time it has shown remarkable variation in these two regions. The voter turnout in the Haryana Assembly elections was 67.90% out of two crore electors, and only 0.38 % exercised the NOTA option. On the other hand, in Jammu and Kashmir, there was a 63.88% turnout in their assembly elections which were held in three phases, the percentage of people who chose NOTA was higher at 1.48%.
NATO voter data in Jammu & Kashmir and Haryana
This data indicates that NOTA continues to be a minority choice and it was used more in Jammu and Kashmir in tally with Haryana. Usually in India, less than two percent of voters have gone with this option. It showcases that most of the voters are still hesitant to choose NOTA while casting their vote.
Former Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat has recently mentioned that for NOTA to develop political pressure, more than 50% of voters in a constituency would have to opt for it. However, NOTA currently does not have any effect on election outcomes even if the majority of voters decide to select it. If the majority of the voters will go for the NOTA option only then lawmakers will be compelled to think of its implications and will change the laws of NOTA in determining the election results, as told by Rawat.
All about NOTA
The NOTA option was introduced in 2013 after a Supreme Court directive. The symbol of this option is available on the electronic voting machine (EVM) and indicates a ballot paper which is marked with a black cross. Before this option, voters who did not find candidates fit for election used to fill a Form 49-0 at the polling station. However, that process compromised the secrecy of the voter.
(With inputs from PTI)