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NOTA vote makes sense



The Himalayan Times
6 May 2014

NOTA vote makes sense

The decision of Election Commission (EC) to introduce the provision of “right to reject” vote in the coming by-election is certainly praiseworthy step towards the implementation of highest exercise of democratic principles as reported in “Voters can enjoy “right to reject” in by-election” (THT, 4 May 2014) which will add a new dimension in the Nepal’s election process. It means that the voters will have the right to reject all the candidates by choosing “none of the above” (NOTA) vote.

The EC has set June 22 for holding by-election in four constituencies. The provision in the Interim Constituent (IC) needs to be amended considering the logistic and financial burden to the state. It is a total waste of time and against the principle of democratic equality.

The Supreme Court, acting on public interest litigation, had directed the government and EC on January 5, 2014 to ensure voter’s NOTA right in the upcoming elections. Whoever bags the single largest number of votes among the contestants will still be declared the winner in that particular constituency. However, the NOTA system forces the political parties to field good candidates who are in the good book of the voters. It is hoped that this provision will further strengthen the democratic rights of the voters either to chose the right candidate or reject all the candidates based upon their social and political performances.

Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharajgunj, Kathmandu

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