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
