Assembly elections: EVMs will have 'none-of-the-above' option

Bangalore, Oct 4:While the Assembly election dates for the five assemblies-Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are out, the question comes naturally whether the EVMs used this time would have the much debated 'none-of-the-above' option, clearing the way for negative voting. The answer is yes.

Earlier last week, the Supreme Court had directed the Election Commission for tehe introduction of 'none-of-the-above' option tht would strengthen exercising the voting franchise.

Apart from this, there are several other measures claimed to be adopted by the Election Commission for a free and fair vote, which include elaborate security arrangement, deployment of forces, formation of randomised poll patrolling, and many more.

However, the highlight of the elections this time are the Awareness Observers, introduced for the first time in the history of Indian elections. These observers are responsible to oversee voters' awareness, motivating them for better turnout and facilitating them with the support they require to cast their votes.

The election commission will keep a close watch on all bank transactions made by the political parties and stem anything suspicious.

The income tax department will also be looped in to check any unauthorised dealings. There is another addition to the electoral process-Voter ID slips-that would be distributed by the EC staff just a few days prior to the polls. This would help in keeping an account of the voter turnout and will also help curbing rigging.

Chhattisgarh will have a two-phase polling on November 11 and November 19, all the rest will have single-phase polls. Delhi and Mizoram will go to polls on December 4, Madhya Pradesh on November 25 and Rajasthan on December 1. Counting in all the five states will take place on December 8.