NOTA Option To Be Included In EVMS For Urban Polls In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The voters in Odisha will now have the choice of NOTA (None of the above) in EVMs in urban polls.

Issuing the order on Friday, State Election Commissioner Aditya Prasad Padhi said NOTA choice will be provided to the electors for the General Elections to Urban Local Bodies in Odisha.

The words shall be printed in the last panel after the last candidate, and the symbol shown below shall be printed in the symbol column.

The order reads: Whereas in pursuance of Article 243-ZA of the Constitution, the State Election Commission is vested with the power of superintendence, direction and control of preparation of electoral roll for, and conduct of all elections to Municipalities; Whereas there is no provision of providing NOTA (None of the Above) option to the electors under the Odisha Municipal Act, 1950 and the Odisha Municipal Corporation Act, 2003 and the Rules framed thereunder.

Whereas the Election Commission of India, have provided the option of NOTA to the electors for elections to Legislative Assemblies and Lok Sabha;

Now, therefore, the State Election Commission in exercise of powers vested in it under Article 243 ZA of the Constitution, directs that the option NOTA (None Of The Above) will be provided to the electors for the General Elections to Urban Local Bodies.