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WHAT IF I WANT TO VOTE FOR NOBODY
Sec 49-O allows you to cast a protest vote. THE CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS RULES, 1961 Clause 49-O: 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.
However, the use of Sec 49-O will violate the "Secret Ballot" as the voter is identified with his/her signing the Form. It is due to this that the Civil Society has recommended adding "None of the Above" in the Electronic Voting Machine and the Election Commission has recommended it. However, the Government of India has objected to it. This is presently pending before the Supreme Court.
Further, using this Section does not help in any way as it is not considered, except for the arithmetical calculation to identify the difference between the total votes entered in the Machine and that in the Voters list of those who entered the polling booth to vote. Hence till such time as "None of the above" is added to the Electronic Voting Machine, AGNI suggests voting for the best amongst the worst.
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