Election day ? Go 49’O and say “I Vote NoBody ”
DID YOU know that there is a provision in the Constitution of India, which is called “49-O” ?
As per the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1969 Act, in Section 49-O that a person can go to the polling booth, confirm his identity, get his finger marked, and convey to the presiding election officer that he/she doesn’t want to vote for anyone!
Yes such a feature is available, but obviously these seemingly notorious leaders have never disclosed it. This is called “49-O”.
THE CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS RULES, 1961
49-O. 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.
Why should you go and say “I VOTE NOBODY”… and use 49’O
These days almost all candidates are not upto to the expectations of people(90% politicians are anyways corrupt) or there are always some useless candidates who are contesting again. So by casting this protest vote we can sow our dissent and disapprove these candidates. Using 49’0 would not only take away the liberty of misusing your votes and give you u choice you never know before, of Not choosing any of them. This would bring fear into parties and hence look for genuine candidates for their parties for election. This would bring a change in our whole political system… it is seemingly surprising why the election commission has not revealed such a feature to the public….
More than all, the shameful fact is, this 49’O is available ever since 1960, but it is in no way conveyed to the people. Neither the government communicate this, nor did the election commission, To make people know about extensive details of this right in constitution. We have put up all the details about this 49’0 provision at our website www.youthforequality.in. If you think none of the candidates at the constituency are able enough to lead the community, you can always opt not to go out of your house and vote, but if you will use this 49’O right of yours you may start a new things in our electoral process, which will further strengthen our democracy. we can use this 49’0 in simple steps. At the time of voting, convey the election booth officials that “I want to go for 49’O” and Register your signature in the 49’O form available there.
Though 49’O is a benign provision, and would not affect the election results. But it will be a proof of our disapproval of unworthy candidates. Till now, non-participation in election is considered as silent consent. But This provision will bring our DISSENT to the surface.
Y4E is making a silent debut in these assembly elections with a 2 day campaign to empower citizens by letting them know about much unknown 49’O provision. Which will include running awareness campaigns in various universities and colleges in Delhi . and putting posters at popular youth hangouts in Delhi .We have also launched a SMS service with the help of Google to send alerts about 49’O on election day to remind voters about their power to say “I VOTE NOBODY”… and show their disapproval of current politicians. currently we have around 1 lakh Y4E members subscribed for this service and most of them are first time voters.
If you also want to receive procedure and updates about 49’O on election day. Just Register yourself for with Y4E. By sending a simple sms with text
ON YOUTH4EQUALITY to 9870807070 and reply ACCEPT when you get a confirmation message. You can also call up on Y4E election helpline at 9868340420 9899223732
Are you ready to contribute in this movement of change. We have Very less time left before the next election drama. Before that lets make sure that everyone speaks about this word “49’O”.
So Lets make sure we do vote this time and if we don’t like the candidate then We can use 49’0 and say “I VOTE NOBODY”
– Contributed by Jiten Jain and Dr. Kaushal Kant Mishra
Youth for Equality