NOTA option for the first time in Odisha Municipal Elections

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Bhubaneswar: The State Election Commission (SEC) has directed that the option NOTA (None Of The Above) will be provided to the electors for the General Elections to Urban Local Bodies.

Reportedly, SEC took the decision in exercise of powers vested in it under Article 243 ZA of the Constitution.

The words ‘ଉପୋରକ୍ତ ପ୍ରାର୍ଥୀଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ କେହି ନୁହନ୍ତି’ (None Of The Above Candidate) shall be printed in the last panel after the last candidate, and the symbol shown below shall be printed in the symbol column.

 

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.

Earlier on Thursday, an all-party meeting was held under the chairmanship of SEC Aditya Prasad Padhi following which it was decided that voting for Councillor and Corporator posts will be held through EVM machines in the upcoming Municipal Elections. Each booth will be provided with two EVMs.

The submission of affidavits by the candidates has been made compulsory as the non-submission will result in the cancellation of the nomination. The polls for Odisha Municipal Election will be held for 110 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) including 48 Municipalities, 59 Notified Area Councils (NACs), and three Municipal Corporations.

It is be noted that the Election Commission of India had already provided the option of NOTA to the electors for elections to Legislative Assemblies and Lok Sabha.

 

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