Nota is not valid vote, only opinion

Hyderabad: Many student groups and resident welfare associations said that they will exercise the Nota option, as they were not happy with the candidates contesting elections.

However, they are disappointed that Nota votes will be considered invalid and will not lead to a candidate forfeiting his deposit. “The awareness regarding Nota is much better than last time, but what’s the point if they are considered invalid. In that case, how do I express my dissatisfaction over candidates? If there is an option that strongly sends out a message of discontentment, what is the use of it being invalid,” asks Divya Sesha, a techie.

Another citizen in Maheshwaram wondered why Nota was introduced. “During the awareness on Nota, it was assumed to be the ‘right to reject’ button. It is just the right to register a negative opinion. I want the leader of my constituency to know that I am unhappy and looking for an alternative. It is better than voting for corrupt leaders.”

The Nota option will only register an opinion of the voter that he is dissatisfied and that nobody else can cast a bogus vote instead of him.

“With the Nota, I will be relieved that nobody else misused my vote. I am exercising my vote. I don’t want to chose less of evils. I want a good leader,” said Thakur Rakjumar Singh of the BHEL employee resident welfare association.

To assist them further, civil society groups as part of the AP Election Watch (APEW) will be present in each district and also keep an eye on any form of malpractices and report them. V B Rao Chelukani, a volunteer mentioned, “The APEW is in a protocol agreement with the Election Commission. A core group of 10-12 members in different districts will assist booth level officers in polling related activities at constituency level, report malpractices and also keep an eye for paid news, ,” he added.