Citizensrsquo groups seek Election Commission view on reelection if Nota lsquowinsrsquo

  • | Sunday | 20th January, 2019

PUNE: Citizens’ groups have approached the Election Commission (EC) of India to seek views on re-election if the ‘None Of The Above’ (Nota) category secures maximum number of votes — just as it was done by the Maharashtra State Election Commission (MSEC).“Many citizens’ groups, including some from Maharashtra, have approached the Election Commission officials. “Some political party members have also approached the EC. Section 65 and 66 of the Representation of People Act also add weight to Rule 64.Currently, the EC has no plenary powers to call for a fresh election even if Nota secures the highest number of votes. However, the matter is still in the early stages of discussion,” said an official.Nota and its implications are also of interest among the political parties. However, nothing can be done till the EC initiates a formal discussion on the topic,” said a state election official.Last year, the MSEC had issued an order for local body polls: fresh polls would be held in case Nota “emerges as the winner” in the elections.

PUNE: Citizens’ groups have approached the Election Commission (EC) of India to seek views on re-election if the ‘None Of The Above’ (Nota) category secures maximum number of votes — just as it was done by the Maharashtra State Election Commission (MSEC).“Many citizens’ groups, including some from Maharashtra, have approached the Election Commission officials. However, the matter is still in the early stages of discussion,” said an official.Nota and its implications are also of interest among the political parties. “Some political party members have also approached the EC. However, nothing can be done till the EC initiates a formal discussion on the topic,” said a state election official.Last year, the MSEC had issued an order for local body polls: fresh polls would be held in case Nota “emerges as the winner” in the elections. Various citizen groups in the state have demanded the same provisions for all elections.Senior officials at EC said while a state election commission can issue such orders, the EC would first have to propose an amendment to Rule 64 of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961.It would also require consent of Parliament.Rule 64 refers to the “declaration of result of election’ and return of election” and says that the returning officer shall declare the candidate “to whom the largest number of valid votes have been given, to be elected.” The rule does not take into account a situation where Nota votes may be higher in number than those polled by any candidate. Section 65 and 66 of the Representation of People Act also add weight to Rule 64.Currently, the EC has no plenary powers to call for a fresh election even if Nota secures the highest number of votes.

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