In which year NOTA is introduced in voting?
VerifiedAnswer: 2014
Explanation:
NOTA (None Of The Above) was officially introduced in Indian elections in 2014, marking a significant milestone in the country's democratic process. This option was implemented following a landmark Supreme Court judgment in 2013 that directed the Election Commission of India to provide voters with the choice to reject all candidates.
The 2014 Lok Sabha elections were the first general elections where voters across India could exercise their right to choose NOTA. This revolutionary addition to the Indian electoral system came as a result of various petitions filed by organizations advocating for electoral reforms, including the People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL).
The Supreme Court, in its September 2013 ruling, recognized that the right to vote also includes the right to reject all candidates. This decision was based on the principle that voters should have the freedom to express their dissatisfaction with the available choices without compromising the secrecy of their ballot.
When NOTA was first implemented in 2014, it appeared as the last option on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and ballot papers. The symbol chosen for NOTA is a ballot paper with a black cross mark, making it easily identifiable for voters. This ensures that citizens who are dissatisfied with all the candidates can still participate in the democratic process meaningfully.
It's important to understand that while NOTA votes are counted and recorded, they don't have the power to reject all candidates outright. Even if NOTA receives the highest number of votes, the candidate with the most votes among the actual candidates still wins the election. However, a high NOTA percentage sends a strong message to political parties about voter dissatisfaction.
Since its introduction in 2014, NOTA has been available in all types of elections in India, including state assembly elections, by-elections, and subsequent general elections. This option has empowered voters to express their democratic right even when they find all candidates unsuitable, strengthening the foundation of Indian democracy.
