Right to Reject: The history and use of NOTA in elections

NOTA, or "None of the Above," is a voting option that allows the voter to officially register a vote of rejection for all candidates running.

NOTA was introduced in India following a 2013 Supreme Court ruling to give voters an opportunity to voice their discontent when they do not find any of the candidates suitable for their vote.

NOTA was first used in the 2013 Assembly elections held in four states (Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh), and the Union Territory of Delhi.

On the ballot, NOTA appears as an option alongside the list of candidates. Before NOTA, a voter has to notify the presiding officer at the polling booth in order to cast a negative ballot.

According to the Election Commission, votes cast as NOTA are counted but are considered 'invalid votes'. As a result, votes cast for NOTA will have no effect on the outcome of the election.

The candidate with the highest number of valid votes is declared the winner, regardless of the number of NOTA votes.

The reason for NOTA, despite its 'no electoral value,' was to urge individuals who are dissatisfied with any of the candidates to vote and express their views.

NOTA has gained more votes in many elections than many of the competing political parties. In many constituencies, the number of votes cast for NOTA was more than the margin by which the candidate won.

NOTA ballots are accepted in Colombia, Ukraine, Brazil, Bangladesh, Finland, Spain, Sweden, Chile, France, Belgium, and Greece. In a few cases, the United States authorises it as well.

While NOTA may not directly affect election results, a high number of NOTA votes can send a message to political parties and candidates that they need to improve their performance and accountability.