Monday, January 9, 2012
YAISHWARYAJ SEVA SANSTHAN LUCKNOW EVENTS
- Urvashi Sharma
Right to Information Helpline 8081898081
Helpline Against Corruption 9455553838
http://yaishwaryaj-seva-sansthan.hpage.co.in/
Friday, January 6, 2012
Voters explore the ‘right to reject’
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JTC8yMDEyLzAxLzA1I0FyMDA1MDA=&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom
Publication: The Times Of India Lucknow; Date: Jan 5, 2012; Section:
Dance Of Democracy; Page: 5
Voters explore the 'right to reject'
Neha Shukla | TNN
Lucknow: The Anna-effect has increased the curiosity in 'right to
reject' among voters in UP. There are queries coming up, on how to use
the provision and what difference will it make to the election
results. The Election Commission, too, will focus on the training of
the presiding officers on the use of the particular clause, along with
other things, during elections.
The right to reject is well within the reach of voters, provided
they exercise it. Clause 49(O) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961,
gives voters the right to exercise their franchise and yet not vote,
in case they do not find any of the candidates on the ballot list,
suitable. "The voter can take this decision at the last moment," said
a senior official of the election commission.
It is well within the contours of the law to say 'no' to vote.
People can visit the polling booth, complete all the formalities and
come out without casting the vote. "In that case also a person will
get the mark of ink on his finger," said the official, thus signifying
that the person has very much used his 'right to vote'.
However, when asked if the EC has any figures available on the
number of people, who decided against voting in the past election, the
official said, "there is no compilation of any such data." The
information on such voters is also confidential.
Meanwhile, in UP, voters are curious about the provision. "The
voters want to know how to use it," said Urvashi Sharma, a social
worker, educating voters in Bareilly. The EC has roped in NGOs to
increase voter awareness in the state. However, the use of provision
is not without the stumbling blocks. "In several previous elections,
we have observed that it is the lesser knowledge of presiding officers
about the clause, which makes using it a cumbersome process," said IC
Dwivedi, state coordinator, Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR),
UP.
Many a times, we get queries on the provision from the educated
voters also, and when they are told about the process, they get
discouraged, he said. However, when asked about this, the election
commission officers said that all the presiding officers, before going
to the polling booths, will be given a proper training.
Besides, it's the fear of one's identity being revealed that might
be holding the voters back from exercising the right not to vote'.
A person dreads to be singled-out, particularly, in his locality,
and might not use it. But, more awareness on it can do away with the
inhibitions, feel social activists.
The no-votes do not impact the overall outcome of the election.
People wishing to exercise clause 49(O) have to also declare their
intention to the presiding officer of the polling station. The reason
given by the voters are also monitored.
If there are more than 50% no-votes, the constituency would go for
repoll. "When told about this, people get slightly discouraged," said
Sharma.
WAY TO A NO-VOTE
The law enables a voter to decline casting his vote at the last stage
If he decides not to vote after signing the register, he must inform
the presiding officer immediately
Presiding officer takes back voters' slip and records in register that
voter has declined to exercise right
Voter will have to sign on register to verify his decision
--
- Urvashi Sharma
Right to Information Helpline 8081898081
Helpline Against Corruption 9455553838
http://yaishwaryaj-seva-sansthan.hpage.co.in/
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Cast your vote at the voice of your conscience, if you find no suitable candidate in your constituency, do exercise 49-O.
Voting is compulsory by law in Australia. Russia allows voters to vote "against all" candidates. India has Rule 49-O of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 of India only. Rule 49-O : 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" The procedure to be followed for rule 49-O: After the voter's electoral number has been entered in the register and he has been identified, his signature/thumb impression is against his name in the voters list. The voter then approaches the presiding officer and informs him of his decision not to vote in favor of any of the candidates. The officer makes an entry namely "Refused to Vote" against the name of this voter in the list. Both the officer and the voter have to provide a signature/thumb impression against this entry. The numbers of such entries have to be mandatorily recorded in Form 17-A. ECI has directed that the entries should be compiled and recorded (Item 3, Part-I of Form 17C) constituency wise and sent to the Commission. This information may also be obtained through RTI. Disadvantage of rule 49-O for the elector: Secrecy of the ballot is violated as the voter has to inform the presiding officer and an entry is made against his name in the voters list. Such voters are deemed to have abstained from casting their vote. They are not included in the counting of votes and candidate securing the maximum number of votes in the constituency is declared winner irrespective of the winning margin. Advantage of rule 49-O for the voter: It provides an option to the voter to reject all candidates. It also helps to keep a check on bogus voting as someone else will not be able to impersonate and vote in place of him in favor of any candidate. If there are more than 50% no-votes , We can press our point to have "None of the above" (NOTA) option on EVM more strongly with the Government . YAISHWARYAJ's Demand : The Conduct of Election Rules, 1961should be amended to specifically provide for negative / neutral voting. For this purpose, Rules 22 (Form of ballot paper) and 49B (Preparation of voting machine by the returning Officer) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 should be suitably amended adding a provision that in the ballot paper and the particulars on the ballot unit, in the column relating to names of candidates, after the entry relating to the last candidate, there shall be a column None of the above, to enable a voter to reject all the candidates, if he chooses so. The voter must be able to register a vote of disapproval/rejection if they are of the opinion that none of the contesting candidates deserve to be voted for. Right to vote must also include the vote of disapproval/rejection. "None of the above" (NOTA) option enables a voter to officially register a vote of rejection of all contesting candidates available in the election. Even the ECI has recommended that the NOTA option must be made available on the electronic voting machine (EVM) for the voter to officially reject all candidates. YAISHWARYAJ's Appeal to the Voters: Cast your vote at the voice of your conscience, if you find no suitable candidate in your constituency, do exercise 49-O. If you want to be part of this movement of Poll-reforms, please contact YAISHWARYAJ Seva Sansthan, Lucknow at mobile helpline nos. 8081898081 & 9455553838 or thru e-mail ysshelp@gmail.com |
Cast your vote at the voice of your conscience, if you find no suitable candidate in your constituency, do exercise 49-O.
Voting is compulsory by law in Australia.
Russia allows voters to vote "against all" candidates.
India has Rule 49-O of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 of India only.
Rule 49-O : 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"
The procedure to be followed for rule 49-O: After the voter's
electoral number has been entered in the register and he has been
identified, his signature/thumb impression is against his name in the
voters list. The voter then approaches the presiding officer and
informs him of his decision not to vote in favor of any of the
candidates. The officer makes an entry namely "Refused to Vote"
against the name of this voter in the list. Both the officer and the
voter have to provide a signature/thumb impression against this entry.
The numbers of such entries have to be mandatorily recorded in Form
17-A. ECI has directed that the entries should be compiled and
recorded (Item 3, Part-I of Form 17C) constituency wise and sent to
the Commission. This information may also be obtained through RTI.
Disadvantage of rule 49-O for the elector: Secrecy of the ballot is
violated as the voter has to inform the presiding officer and an entry
is made against his name in the voters list. Such voters are deemed to
have abstained from casting their vote. They are not included in the
counting of votes and candidate securing the maximum number of votes
in the constituency is declared winner irrespective of the winning
margin.
Advantage of rule 49-O for the voter: It provides an option to the
voter to reject all candidates. It also helps to keep a check on bogus
voting as someone else will not be able to impersonate and vote in
place of him in favor of any candidate. If there are more than 50%
no-votes , We can press our point to have "None of the above" (NOTA)
option on EVM more strongly with the Government .
YAISHWARYAJ's Demand : The Conduct of Election Rules, 1961should be
amended to specifically provide for negative / neutral voting. For
this purpose, Rules 22 (Form of ballot paper) and 49B (Preparation of
voting machine by the returning Officer) of the Conduct of Election
Rules, 1961 should be suitably amended adding a provision that in the
ballot paper and the particulars on the ballot unit, in the column
relating to names of candidates, after the entry relating to the last
candidate, there shall be a column None of the above, to enable a
voter to reject all the candidates, if he chooses so. The voter must
be able to register a vote of disapproval/rejection if they are of the
opinion that none of the contesting candidates deserve to be voted
for. Right to vote must also include the vote of
disapproval/rejection. "None of the above" (NOTA) option enables a
voter to officially register a vote of rejection of all contesting
candidates available in the election. Even the ECI has recommended
that the NOTA option must be made available on the electronic voting
machine (EVM) for the voter to officially reject all candidates.
YAISHWARYAJ's Appeal to the Voters: Cast your vote at the voice of
your conscience, if you find no suitable candidate in your
constituency, do exercise 49-O. If you want to be part of this
movement of Poll-reforms, please contact YAISHWARYAJ Seva Sansthan,
Lucknow at mobile helpline nos. 8081898081 & 9455553838 or thru e-mail
ysshelp@gmail.com
Russia allows voters to vote "against all" candidates.
India has Rule 49-O of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 of India only.
Rule 49-O : 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"
The procedure to be followed for rule 49-O: After the voter's
electoral number has been entered in the register and he has been
identified, his signature/thumb impression is against his name in the
voters list. The voter then approaches the presiding officer and
informs him of his decision not to vote in favor of any of the
candidates. The officer makes an entry namely "Refused to Vote"
against the name of this voter in the list. Both the officer and the
voter have to provide a signature/thumb impression against this entry.
The numbers of such entries have to be mandatorily recorded in Form
17-A. ECI has directed that the entries should be compiled and
recorded (Item 3, Part-I of Form 17C) constituency wise and sent to
the Commission. This information may also be obtained through RTI.
Disadvantage of rule 49-O for the elector: Secrecy of the ballot is
violated as the voter has to inform the presiding officer and an entry
is made against his name in the voters list. Such voters are deemed to
have abstained from casting their vote. They are not included in the
counting of votes and candidate securing the maximum number of votes
in the constituency is declared winner irrespective of the winning
margin.
Advantage of rule 49-O for the voter: It provides an option to the
voter to reject all candidates. It also helps to keep a check on bogus
voting as someone else will not be able to impersonate and vote in
place of him in favor of any candidate. If there are more than 50%
no-votes , We can press our point to have "None of the above" (NOTA)
option on EVM more strongly with the Government .
YAISHWARYAJ's Demand : The Conduct of Election Rules, 1961should be
amended to specifically provide for negative / neutral voting. For
this purpose, Rules 22 (Form of ballot paper) and 49B (Preparation of
voting machine by the returning Officer) of the Conduct of Election
Rules, 1961 should be suitably amended adding a provision that in the
ballot paper and the particulars on the ballot unit, in the column
relating to names of candidates, after the entry relating to the last
candidate, there shall be a column None of the above, to enable a
voter to reject all the candidates, if he chooses so. The voter must
be able to register a vote of disapproval/rejection if they are of the
opinion that none of the contesting candidates deserve to be voted
for. Right to vote must also include the vote of
disapproval/rejection. "None of the above" (NOTA) option enables a
voter to officially register a vote of rejection of all contesting
candidates available in the election. Even the ECI has recommended
that the NOTA option must be made available on the electronic voting
machine (EVM) for the voter to officially reject all candidates.
YAISHWARYAJ's Appeal to the Voters: Cast your vote at the voice of
your conscience, if you find no suitable candidate in your
constituency, do exercise 49-O. If you want to be part of this
movement of Poll-reforms, please contact YAISHWARYAJ Seva Sansthan,
Lucknow at mobile helpline nos. 8081898081 & 9455553838 or thru e-mail
ysshelp@gmail.com
--
- Urvashi Sharma
Right to Information Helpline 8081898081
Helpline Against Corruption 9455553838
http://yaishwaryaj-seva-sansthan.hpage.co.in/
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Voters explore the ‘right to reject’ : TNN | Jan 5, 2012, 05.38AM IST
| LUCKNOW: The Anna-effect has increased the curiosity in 'right to reject' among voters in UP. There are queries coming up, on how to use the provision and what difference will it make to the election results. The Election Commission, too, will focus on the training of the presiding officers on the use of the particular clause, along with other things, during elections. The right to reject is well within the reach of voters, provided they exercise it. Clause 49(O) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, gives voters the right to exercise their franchise and yet not vote, in case they do not find any of the candidates on the ballot list, suitable. "The voter can take this decision at the last moment," said a senior official of the election commission. It is well within the contours of the law to say 'no' to vote. People can visit the polling booth, complete all the formalities and come out without casting the vote. "In that case also a person will get the mark of ink on his finger," said the official, thus signifying that the person has very much used his 'right to vote'. However, when asked if the EC has any figures available on the number of people, who decided against voting in the past election, the official said, "there is no compilation of any such data." The information on such voters is also confidential. Meanwhile, in UP, voters are curious about the provision. "The voters want to know how to use it," said Urvashi Sharma, a social worker, educating voters in Bareilly. The EC has roped in NGOs to increase voter awareness in the state. However, the use of provision is not without the stumbling blocks. "In several previous elections, we have observed that it is the lesser knowledge of presiding officers about the clause, which makes using it a cumbersome process," said IC Dwivedi, state coordinator, Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), UP. Many a times, we get queries on the provision from the educated voters also, and when they are told about the process, they get discouraged, he said. However, when asked about this, the election commission officers said that all the presiding officers, before going to the polling booths, will be given a proper training. Besides, it's the fear of one's identity being revealed that might be holding the voters back from exercising the right not to vote'. A person dreads to be singled-out, particularly, in his locality, and might not use it. But, more awareness on it can do away with the inhibitions, feel social activists. The no-votes do not impact the overall outcome of the election. People wishing to exercise clause 49(O) have to also declare their intention to the presiding officer of the polling station. The reason given by the voters are also monitored. If there are more than 50% no-votes, the constituency would go for repoll. "When told about this, people get slightly discouraged," said Sharma.
|
Voters explore the ‘right to reject ’ TNN | Jan 5, 2012, 05.38AM IST
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Voters-explore-the-right-to-reject/articleshow/11370681.cms
LUCKNOW: The Anna-effect has increased the curiosity in 'right to
reject' among voters in UP. There are queries coming up, on how to use
the provision and what difference will it make to the election
results. The Election Commission, too, will focus on the training of
the presiding officers on the use of the particular clause, along with
other things, during elections.
The right to reject is well within the reach of voters, provided they
exercise it. Clause 49(O) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961,
gives voters the right to exercise their franchise and yet not vote,
in case they do not find any of the candidates on the ballot list,
suitable. "The voter can take this decision at the last moment," said
a senior official of the election commission.
It is well within the contours of the law to say 'no' to vote. People
can visit the polling booth, complete all the formalities and come out
without casting the vote. "In that case also a person will get the
mark of ink on his finger," said the official, thus signifying that
the person has very much used his 'right to vote'.
However, when asked if the EC has any figures available on the number
of people, who decided against voting in the past election, the
official said, "there is no compilation of any such data." The
information on such voters is also confidential.
Meanwhile, in UP, voters are curious about the provision. "The voters
want to know how to use it," said Urvashi Sharma, a social worker,
educating voters in Bareilly. The EC has roped in NGOs to increase
voter awareness in the state. However, the use of provision is not
without the stumbling blocks. "In several previous elections, we have
observed that it is the lesser knowledge of presiding officers about
the clause, which makes using it a cumbersome process," said IC
Dwivedi, state coordinator, Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR),
UP.
Many a times, we get queries on the provision from the educated voters
also, and when they are told about the process, they get discouraged,
he said. However, when asked about this, the election commission
officers said that all the presiding officers, before going to the
polling booths, will be given a proper training.
Besides, it's the fear of one's identity being revealed that might be
holding the voters back from exercising the right not to vote'.
A person dreads to be singled-out, particularly, in his locality, and
might not use it. But, more awareness on it can do away with the
inhibitions, feel social activists.
The no-votes do not impact the overall outcome of the election. People
wishing to exercise clause 49(O) have to also declare their intention
to the presiding officer of the polling station. The reason given by
the voters are also monitored.
If there are more than 50% no-votes, the constituency would go for
repoll. "When told about this, people get slightly discouraged," said
Sharma.
--
- Urvashi Sharma
Right to Information Helpline 8081898081
Helpline Against Corruption 9455553838
http://yaishwaryaj-seva-sansthan.hpage.co.in/
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