NEW DELHI : The Election Commission today said it seems possible to provide the Right to Reject option to voters in the forthcoming assembly elections, subject to feasibility.
The Commission said after examining the Supreme Court judgement on the issue, it will see if the same can be implemented in the forthcoming assembly polls slated in the next few months.
“It should be possible to implement the Supreme Court verdict on Right to Reject. It seems possible, subject to feasibility,” a top EC official told reporters when asked if it would be implemented in the forthcoming assembly elections.
“The Election Commission of India shall issue detailed instructions to ensure compliance with the order of the Court as expeditiously as possible,” the Commission said in a statement here.
The Supreme Court today held that voters have a right to reject all candidates contesting polls in a constituency by pressing a button for negative vote, saying this would compel political parties to field “sound” candidates who are known for their integrity.
The Court directed the Election Commission to make necessary provision in the ballot papers/EVMs and provide a button for ‘None of the Above’ (NOTA) in EVMs so that voters who come to polling booth and decide not to vote for any of the candidates in the fray, are able to exercise their right not to vote while maintaining their right of secrecy.
Till now, voters could ask for a separate form under Rule 49-O to register their option of not voting in favour of any candidate, but their right to secrecy was lost.
The EC would in accordance with the order of the Supreme Court print “None of the Above” option in a separate panel on the ballot paper below the name of last contesting candidate and this ballot paper shall be affixed on the Ballot Unit of EVMs.
“This will go a very long way in promoting purity in democracy,” said Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath, while commenting on the verdict. (AGENCIES)
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