Today is poll day in the Hyderabad Municipal Elections. For those who are not convinced, here is an option: Not to record your vote. It is allowed in the system and as strange as it may seem it can be done through Section 49-O of the Conduction of Election Rules, 1961.
How such an exercise of one's franchise enhances democracy is still a question. Maybe it is similar to walking away when nothing on menu is desirable, but the problem of hunger remains.
Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 -
Section 49-O: Elector deciding not to vote.
-If an elector, after his electoral roll number has been duly entered in the register of voters in Form-17A and has put his signature or thumb impression thereon as required under sub-rule (1) of rule 49L, decided not to record his vote, a remark to this effect shall be made against the said entry in Form 17A by the presiding officer and the signature or thumb impression of the elector shall be obtained against such remark.
Update, 11:30 AM, 23rd Nov 2009, Jubilee Hills, Ward No: 109, Hyderabad:
On inquiring the returning officer about the provision for casting a "not to record" vote, I was told that it was not possible and that I had to either choose among the candidates available or go home. This time I did walk home unlike the last general elections.
At the cost of seeming to promote anarchy, I can atleast claim to have no part in the sins to be committed in my name. A la Pontius Pilate?
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