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That right, which is separate from the provision to vote under NOTA, can be exercised under the 'Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 Rule 49-O', which elaborates the little-known option for electors to abstain from voting even after reaching the polling booth.
At a time when Election Commission pledges to leave no stone unturned to bring eligible voters to polling stations, not many electors are aware of their right to "refuse to vote" even after registering their identities before the presiding officer.
Tribunal turns down plea for Faisal Javed’s disqualification.
(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from a PTI
The introduction of the Nota button on EVMs, as directed by the Supreme Court, has had little impact on election results. The number of candidates with criminal records has increased in both general and assembly elections. Nota votes have been higher in reserved constituencies, indicating grievances among the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.