“None of the above” (NOTA) vote, is a ballot option, designed allow the voter indicate disapproval of the all candidates in the voting System.Countries Like, US, Greece, India, Ukrain, Spain, Colombia & Bangladesh Have NOTA Option in their ballot paper.

In Pakistan, NOTA in the ballot paper is a fundamental right of every citizen in consideration of Article 19-A of the Constitution, which recognizes Freedom of Expression.

The government introduced this option for electoral process, for the 2013 Pakistan General Elections,But Election Commission of Pakistan later ejected it.

The advantages of NOTA option NOTA are threefold: first, it would enhance the scope of political expression & Public confidence in the democratic process. Second, a large number of NOTA voters will force parties to improve service delivery, put forward better candidates and improve relations with their constituencies. Third, it would increase the leaders’ credibility, enhance accountability and increase transparency to the Electoral process.

Moreover, the Lahore High Court has Issued notices to the ECP and asked the law ministry about the petition challenging unavailability of the NOTA option in ballot papers for the upcoming elections.

Zubair Ali Butt
Karachi

Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2018