Provide option not to vote

SHILLONG, JAN 24: Social activists want that the Election Commission of India (ECI) must provide the voters the option not to vote for any candidate under the section 49-0 of the conduct of election rules.

A petition to the ECI was submitted through the Meghalaya Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) P Naik  by Civil Society Women Organisation (CSWO) president Agnes Kharshiing and another social activist Angela Ryngad on Thursday. The two also said that the names of those who do not wish to vote for any candidate must be maintain in a register and count as a valid vote.

The reason for making such a demand, according to the two activists, is to register the voters protest against tainted candidates and candidates who do not have the will to work for the interest of the people.

As per section 49-O voters will need to show up at the polling station, have their finger marked with indelible ink and demand for form 17 A which is the register maintained at all booths and fill up their name,
signature or thumb impression and make a remark in the remark column that they do not want to cast their vote.

Ryngad said that they are concerned at the number of business-minded candidates and candidates whose track records during the past five years have been dismal as a legislator and Rules 49-O provides to place on record voters displeasure for the candidates contesting the elections.

The activists also demanded that the ECI must widely publishes this crucial information for the people so that they know they reserve the  right to reject all the candidates through this conduct of election rules, which many voters does not know.-By Our Reporter