Publication: The Times Of India Lucknow; Date: Jan 5, 2012; Section:
Dance Of Democracy; Page: 5
Voters explore the 'right to reject'
Neha Shukla | TNN
Lucknow: The Anna-effect has increased the curiosity in 'right to
reject' among voters in UP. There are queries coming up, on how to use
the provision and what difference will it make to the election
results. The Election Commission, too, will focus on the training of
the presiding officers on the use of the particular clause, along with
other things, during elections.
The right to reject is well within the reach of voters, provided
they exercise it. Clause 49(O) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961,
gives voters the right to exercise their franchise and yet not vote,
in case they do not find any of the candidates on the ballot list,
suitable. "The voter can take this decision at the last moment," said
a senior official of the election commission.
It is well within the contours of the law to say 'no' to vote.
People can visit the polling booth, complete all the formalities and
come out without casting the vote. "In that case also a person will
get the mark of ink on his finger," said the official, thus signifying
that the person has very much used his 'right to vote'.
However, when asked if the EC has any figures available on the
number of people, who decided against voting in the past election, the
official said, "there is no compilation of any such data." The
information on such voters is also confidential.
Meanwhile, in UP, voters are curious about the provision. "The
voters want to know how to use it," said Urvashi Sharma, a social
worker, educating voters in Bareilly. The EC has roped in NGOs to
increase voter awareness in the state. However, the use of provision
is not without the stumbling blocks. "In several previous elections,
we have observed that it is the lesser knowledge of presiding officers
about the clause, which makes using it a cumbersome process," said IC
Dwivedi, state coordinator, Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR),
UP.
Many a times, we get queries on the provision from the educated
voters also, and when they are told about the process, they get
discouraged, he said. However, when asked about this, the election
commission officers said that all the presiding officers, before going
to the polling booths, will be given a proper training.
Besides, it's the fear of one's identity being revealed that might
be holding the voters back from exercising the right not to vote'.
A person dreads to be singled-out, particularly, in his locality,
and might not use it. But, more awareness on it can do away with the
inhibitions, feel social activists.
The no-votes do not impact the overall outcome of the election.
People wishing to exercise clause 49(O) have to also declare their
intention to the presiding officer of the polling station. The reason
given by the voters are also monitored.
If there are more than 50% no-votes, the constituency would go for
repoll. "When told about this, people get slightly discouraged," said
Sharma.
WAY TO A NO-VOTE
The law enables a voter to decline casting his vote at the last stage
If he decides not to vote after signing the register, he must inform
the presiding officer immediately
Presiding officer takes back voters' slip and records in register that
voter has declined to exercise right
Voter will have to sign on register to verify his decision
--
- Urvashi Sharma
Right to Information Helpline 8081898081
Helpline Against Corruption 9455553838
http://yaishwaryaj-seva-sansthan.hpage.co.in/
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