8th June 2024 (15 Topics)

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Percentage of NOTA votes dips nationally, rises in Northeast

Context

The percentage of votes recorded under NOTA (None of the Above) dipped nationally in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections compared to 2019, while Northeastern India exhibited a different trend.

Key-highlights

The overall percentage of NOTA votes in India in 2024 was 0.99%, down from 1.06% in 2019.
In the Northeast, the NOTA votes increased from an average of 0.71% in 2019 to 0.81% in 2024.
Assam, a state in the Northeast, recorded the highest number of NOTA votes in three constituencies won by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates: Dibrugarh (32,255), Kaziranga (24,431), and Darrang-Udalguri (23,204).

1: Dimension - Reason behind the Situation

Discontent with Candidates: The increase in NOTA votes in the Northeast indicates voter dissatisfaction with the available candidates. Frequent party-switching by MLAs in the region has led to a lack of trust.
Perceived Inefficacy: Voters may perceive their elected leaders as ineffective in fulfilling development promises, prompting a preference for NOTA as a form of protest.

2: Dimension - Impact of NOTA

Expression of Discontent:

Signal to Political Parties: A higher NOTA count serves as a signal to political parties about the electorate's dissatisfaction, compelling them to field better candidates.
Political Accountability: It promotes accountability as parties are forced to introspect and address the reasons behind voter discontent.

3: Dimension - Required Measures

Scrutiny and Transparency: Political parties need to adopt a more rigorous and transparent candidate selection process to ensure that they field candidates with integrity and capability.
Voter Engagement: Increased engagement with voters to understand their grievances and expectations can help in selecting candidates who align more closely with public sentiment.

Electoral Reforms:

Strengthening NOTA: To make NOTA more impactful, electoral reforms could include provisions that mandate re-elections or other actions if a significant percentage of votes are cast for NOTA.
Awareness Campaigns: Conducting awareness campaigns about the purpose and power of NOTA can encourage more informed voting and participation in the democratic process.
Global examples: There are more than 12 countries where the voters have the option for NOTA. Besides India, it exists in countries like France, Sweden, Belgium Greece, Belarus, Spain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, and Ukraine.A few states in America also allow NOTA votes. The state of Texas in the US has had the provision since 1975. However, the provision has faced opposition there.

The ‘right to Reject’ was first proposed by the Law Commission in its 170th Report in 1999.
Similarly, the Election Commission endorsed 'Right to Reject', first in 2001, under Mr. James Lyngdoh (the then CEC), and then in 2004 under Mr. TS Krishnamurthy (the then CEC), in its Proposed Electoral Reforms.
Likewise, 'Background Paper on Electoral Reforms', prepared by the Ministry of Law in 2010, proposed that if a certain percentage of the vote is negative, then the election result should be nullified and a new election should be held.
SC on ‘right to reject’: If the right to vote is a statutory right, then the right to reject a candidate is a fundamental right of speech and expression under the Constitution.”

What is NOTA?

NOTA, or "None of the Above", is the option that enables the voter to officially register a vote of rejection for all candidates who are contesting.
If a voter chooses to press NOTA it indicates that the voter has not chosen to vote for any of the party.
The main objective of the ‘NOTA’ option is to enable electors who do not wish to vote for any of the candidates to exercise their right to reject without violation of the secrecy of their decision.
The voter must be eligible to register a vote of rejection if they feel that the contesting candidates do not deserve to be voted for.
The Right to vote granted to all citizens must allow the vote of disapproval.

Mains Practice Question

Q: “The rise in NOTA votes in certain regions indicates a deeper discontent with the political choices available to the electorate.” Discuss

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TERMS OF THE DAY

Miscellaneous

GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Percentage of NOTA votes dips nationally, rises in Northeast

Key-highlights

1: Dimension - Reason behind the Situation

2: Dimension - Impact of NOTA

3: Dimension - Required Measures

Electoral Reforms:

What is NOTA?

Mains Practice Question

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