NOTA becomes symbolic in polls

SHILLONG/JOWAI: The District Council Affairs Department is introducing NOTA in the upcoming polls.
However, this will be symbolic like the Assembly and Lok Sabha polls as even if NOTA gets more votes than the candidates, the winner will be the candidate, who secures maximum votes compared to others.
A statement issued on Monday said the None of the Above (NOTA) option is introduced in the elections to the three autonomous district councils subject to the condition that even if, in any extreme case, “the number of voters against NOTA is more than the number of voters secured by candidates”, the candidate with the largest number of votes will be elected.
After the panel containing the name and particulars of the last candidate on the ballot paper, there will be a panel with the words ‘None of the Above’ for electors who may wish to exercise the option of not voting for any of the candidates in the fray. These words shall be written in the same language or languages as used in the case of names of candidates. The size of the panel will be the same as in the case of the candidates.
“The symbol and other procedures in respect of NOTA will be as prescribed by the Election Commission of India from time to time,” the statement said.
Besides, security deposit prescribed under Rules 134(1) of the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Councils) Rules, 1951, as amended is raised to Rs 3,000. The maximum scale of election expense that may be incurred by a candidate as provided in Rule 176 is raised to Rs 5,00,000.Meanwhile, in Jowai, the deputy commissioner and district election officer has informed that a Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) for the JHADC election has been constituted with the DC as the chairman.
The DC has informed that MCMC has been constituted to check paid news monitoring both print and electronic media and would also be responsible for the certification of advertisement.