insideout

The truth about 49-O: valid but not effective.

In the last couple of days we have witnessed the most shameful phase of the Indian politics. At one hand we have irresponsible and insensitive government who has been ineffective in securing us from the terror attacks, and on the other, the opposition is busy taking the maximum advantage of the situation securing their vote banks. No one is bothered to work in the interest of the nation and help recovering from the terrible phase. There is a lot of anger and frustration against the politicians who just look for an opportunity to encash their votes and forget their responsibilities later. People are confused and have lost faith in the current political system.

With all this happening around, there has been a lot of buzz about choosing the right candidates, election process and the 49-O rule. So what is the 49-O rule?

There is a rule under section 49-O in the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, which allows the voters to ‘not vote’ for any of the candidates and get his decision registered. The rule officially states -

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.

There are a lot of emails doing rounds suggesting that this can be used as a tool against the corrupt politicians. These mails suggest that in case the number of votes recorded under section 49-O is found to be greater than the maximum number of votes polled in favor of any of the candidates, the poll is considered null and void and a re-poll is held. These mails also state that the current candidates will be barred from re-contesting.

I did some research about this and tried to find out the truth consulting all possible sources. In my attempt to find out more about this, I called up Election Commissioner’s Office and spoke with Mr. C.P. Sharma who is PPS to Mr. Navin Chawla (Election Commissioner). Mr Sharma told me that this rule is valid, anyone can exercise it. One has to go to the polling booth, get their name marked, get their finger marked and infrom the Polling officer on duty about the decision of not voting. The Polling Officer might ask you to give a written undertaking stating the same. Through this process, the vote would be registered as ‘no-vote’ and will be counted under the same head at the time of final counting. However, irrespective of the number of such votes, the results would be declared and one of the candidates would be elected. There is no provision of a re-poll or banning the candidates to appear in any of the further elections.

49-O is a good way to secure your vote against a misuse. But this, by no means is a way to fight against the corruption or politicians. If you do not appear for voting, there is a possible chance of someone else casting a vote in your name and with the current state of affairs this happens quite often than not. Hence, it would be better to go for a ‘no-vote’ rather than sitting at home, allowing the misuse.

However, ‘not voting’ will not make a real difference in the current  scenario. What we really need is a fresh batch of young politicians, who care for the cause of nation and can lead us from the front. However, till that happens, we will have to keep the faith and choose the better off the worst. You should try and make an informed decision. Check the previous track record of the candidates, find out what have they done till date, checkout their educational qualifications, their criminal history and based on these facts choose who you feel can be a better option. Only If you are unable to make up your mind and have got convinced that none of the candidates is better than the other, use 49-O.

Whatever the case may be, please ensure that you go out and register your vote… each vote makes a difference.

To get more information about the elections and electoral process please visit voteyatra.com

Mubarack Obama – jaago india

Congratulations, Barack Obama for being elected as the 44th US President.

History was created on 4th Nov 2008 when America got its first ever Black President. The Americans, ignored the differences of race or creed and voted for what they felt, was in best interest of their nation. America has come a long way with these elections and we can take surely take a lesson or two from them.

1. Every vote counts : This was probably the highest turnout of voters in past 50 years. Americans this time realized the importance of their votes and hence, citizens from each eligible age group participated in choosing their next president with a lot of enthusiasm.

On the other hand, India has invariably observed a low turn out rate for voting. Most people do not vote as they feel that none of the candidates are worth being elected as the leader. What they do not realize is that by doing so, they are spoiling these politicians even more, giving them more power to manipulate. I’d strongly recommend that one should always vote. If you cant find a suitable candidate, choose the lesser evil but voting is a must. Unless you do something to change your system, you cant hope for a change.

2. Race or religion is not a criteria : Obama is the first ever afro-american to become the president of the US. People ignored his ethnicity/race/creed and considered his view and policies to make a better future for the US.

Indians on the contrary, are largely biased on caste, religion, region etc. The politicians know this too, thus they take full advantage of this weakness and setup their campaigns based on these petty issues only. As a result, the real issues of development and welfare of the society gets sidelined completely. Its high time we should take a lesson now. We should learn to ignore these differences and choose the leaders who actually are devoted to the cause of nation and work for the progress of the country.

3. Accept defeat gracefully : I was highly impressed by Mc Cain’s speech after the results were declared. The way he spoke was pure grace. Mc Cain, despite loosing with such a heavy margin, did not get into the finger pointing mode or tried to reason out the defeat. He stood there with dignity and extended his whole hearted support to the new President.

Indian politicians should also learn to handle the defeats. Politicians here, if they loose the election, they immediately start churning excuses for the defeat, some start highlighting the bad in the other candidates and some just hide in shame. Forget extending support, they ensure that the elected candidate fails in all his attempts of development, so that the next time people reject him. Politicians are the leaders, they should be the ones, we can look upon to and get inspired from. They should not get involved in such mud slinging business. Win or loose, a good leader always looks for the best ways to serve the nation.

There were a lot of us who were hooked on to the US elections completely. However, I doubt if there would be half as much buzz for the elections next year in India as it was for this one. If you can take interest in  politics of another nation, you can show at least some interest in your own. For a little reality check.. see if you know the name of the MLA of your own constituency.

My only point here is that, its for us to decide which direction our country heads to and election is the tool, we can use to mark that path. So, lets exercise this fundamental right, lets participate in building the future, lets use our tool, Lets vote.

I have learnt my lessons from this US Presidential elections and would ensure to contribute to the fullest in making our own elections a success. I hope there are many more like me who would feel the same.