What every Indian should know

There is an interesting provision in the Indian voting system, as per a 1969 act, in section “49-O” of code of conduct of elections.

As per this, a person can go to the polling booth, confirm his identity, get his finger marked and convey the presiding election officer that he doesn’t want to vote for anyone!

Now, why should anybody go to the polling booth and say “I DO NOT WANT TO VOTE FOR ANYBODY”?

Simply because it can make a difference.

“Not voting” and deciding to “not vote for anybody” are two different things as per the constitution.

The decision to “not vote for anybody” prevents your vote from being misused. Also, it can alter the course of an election result even after a candidate has won a majority of votes.

If the number of people using the “49 O” option is greater than the winning candidates vote margin, then the election results would be null and void. Not only that, the candidature of the contestant would be removed and they cannot recontest, since people had already expressed their decision on them.

This way, if >50% people decide to use this option, then this means people do not have faith in any candidate who is contesting the election. The political parties would have to then either propose new candidates for the next elections who are acceptable to public or it may pave a way for new independent candidates.

This would instill some fear inthe political parties who would look for genuine candidates for their parties for election. This could change the way of our whole political system.

Showing your power expressing your desire not to vote for anybody is more powerful than voting , so don’t miss your chance.

So either vote, or vote not to vote (vote 49-O) and you can do your share to improve India’s political system.

For those who know Tamil, there is an article about this at http://www.keetru.com/ohpodu/Oh_Podu.pdf.

Please pass the word on to everybody you know.