The Election Commission on Wednesday said the Supreme Court had in 2013 issued directions mandating “None of the Above (NOTA)” option in paper ballots or Electronic Voting Machine.
Accordingly, since January 2014, the electoral body have issued instructions for the provision of NOTA option in the elections to Rajya Sabha. The option has been given in 25 by-elections to Rajya Sabha since then, in consonance with the Supreme Court directive that came on September 27, 2013.
“In pursuance of this direction, the Commission issued instructions on October 11 October, 2013, for providing NOTA option on the ballot after the name of the last candidate. Later, in January 2014, the Commission issued directions that the provision of NOTA shall also be applicable in the elections to Rajya Sabha, and issued instructions to this effect vide circular letter January 24, 2014,” said the EC.
Immediately thereafter, biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha were held in 16 States. The election was held on February 7, 2014. Instructions regarding NOTA option were applicable in these elections onwards.
On February 27, 2014, while extending the NOTA option to the Legislative Council elections, further instructions were issued regarding the manner of marking vote with NOTA option on the ballot paper. “Later, on November 12, 2015, more detailed instructions were issued regarding the manner of voting, including opting of NOTA option, with illustrative examples,” said the Commission.
