Today I got a mail from my friend Sreejith about 'Right to not vote'. It's a new info for me so i thought share with you people.AS PER the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1969 Act, in Section 49-O that a person can go to the polling booth, confirm his identity, get his finger marked, and convey to the presiding election officer that he/she doesn’t want to vote for anyone! Yes, such a feature is available, but obviously these seemingly notorious leaders have never disclosed it. It is called "49-O".
49-O: The voter (or elector) deciding not to vote:
If an elector, after his electoral roll number has been duly entered in the register of voters in Form-17A and has put his signature or thumb impression thereon as required under sub-rule (1) of rule 49L, decided not to record his vote, a remark to this effect shall be made against the said entry in Form 17A by the presiding officer and the signature or thumb impression of the elector shall be obtained against such remark.
If you think none of the candidates at the ward / constituency are able enough to lead the community, you can always opt not to vote, but if you will use this right of yours you may start a new things in our electoral process, which will further strengthen our democracy.
Disqualification hoax
A hoax has been circulating which claims that if the '49-O' votes more than those of the winning candidate, then that poll will be canceled and will have to be re-polled. Furthermore, it claims that the contestants will be banned and they cannot contest the re-polling for their life time. This is false and has no basis whatsoever. Wikipedia
Comments
I have not yet used my privilege. Got voters ID. but there is a spelling mistake. need to correct it as early as possible to use my right to not to vote.
Thanks to Binny (binnyva.com) for giving me this link via twitter.
Be the change you wish to see in the world. MK Gandhi