None of the Above (NOTA), Also known as against all or a scratch vote, is a ballot option in some jurisdictions or organizations, designed to allow the voter to indicate disapproval of all of the candidates in a voting system. It is based on the principle that consent requires the ability to withhold consent in an election, just as they can by voting no on ballot questions. Entities that include None of the Above on ballots as standard procedure include India (None of the above), Greece (white, but unrelated to a political party of the similarly sounding name-however it is symbolic only), the U.S. state of Nevada (None of These Candidates), Ukraine , Spain (voto en blanco), and Colombia (voto en blanco). Russia had such an option on its ballots until it was abolished in 2006. Bangladesh introduced this option (না ভোট) in 2008.[2] Pakistan introduced this option on ballot papers for the 2013 Pakistan elections but later the Election Commission of Pakistan rejected this. When None of the Above is listed on a ballot, there is the possibility of NOTA receiving a majority or plurality of the vote, and so winning the election. In such a case, a variety of formal procedures may be invoked, including having the office remain vacant, having the office filled by appointment, re-opening nominations or holding another election (in a body operating under parliamentary procedure), or it may have no effect whatsoever, as in the state of Nevada, where the next highest total wins regardless. Sakthivel Rowthiram..
Posted on: Sat, 12 Apr 2014 09:06:39 +0000