It seems that an electorate’s ‘right not to vote’ as endorsed by the Apex Court last year is all set to remain as an out of context issue with respect to the forthcoming local body elections in Tamil Nadu.
Because, the District Election Officers have not received any instructions from the State Election Commission with respect to inclusion of NOTA symbol in ballot papers, though the Commission has clarified that voters could opt for 49(O) provision if they want to register their dissent against the contesting candidates compromising their right of secrecy in voting.
Responding to queries from reporters in this regard in Kancheepuram on Saturday, the District Election Officer and Collector, K. Baskaran, said that they were yet to receive any instruction from the SEC in this regard and if received it would be communicated to all those connected with the election process.
Meanwhile, senior revenue officials well versed in election process had pointed out that the SEC might have taken shelter under the phrase: ‘…makes it clear that in direct elections to Lok Sabha or State Legislatures, maintenance of secrecy is a must..’, mentioned in the Supreme Court order.
Stating that nothing prevents the SEC from including ‘NOTA’ facility in both EVMs and printed ballot papers, they said it would usher in purity in the electoral process and bring in wider participation of people as expressed by the Apex Court in its order.
Earlier, addressing an election review meeting, chaired by the Director, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, T. Abraham, the DEO directed the Returning Officers, for rural areas in particular, to ensure proper basic amenities such as drinking water, toilet and lighting facilities were provided to the reserve polling duty personnel to stay in Block Development Offices. He had also urged them not to draw pregnant women, differently-abled and those due for retirement for poll duty.
