Add "None Of The Above" Option to Ballot Paper
Add "None Of The Above" Option to Ballot Paper
The Issue
Electoral Reforms are urgently needed to improve the whole electoral mechanism and the democratic dispensation. Prior to General Elections-2013; the proposal to add "None Of The Above" option to the ballot paper was put forwarded by Election Commission of Pakistan; however, it faced all political parties' criticism (divergent reasons offered). After GE-2013, the electoral committee has been formed and it comprises the members from both benches but this particular proposal is not on the cards.
The statistics record the voter turn-out around fifty percent in the country's history with few fluctuations. "Not Voting" of the other half is read as voter apathy and lack of interest in the political process. There is no barometer to gauge whether "Not Voting" is a silent protest against the political structure, organisations, personages or these statistics emanate from voter indifference. Therefore, it is imperative to add "NOTA" option to ballot paper to ascertain voters' true voice.
The "PROTEST VOTE" is a democratic right that must be ensured. Currently, one may only stamp "YES" to what is being offered. Having the option enables the "unheard" to oppose rather being unconcerned. Voting the "NOTA" demonstrates the opinion that is not represented by "Any Of The Above". The option is the solution for those who want to exercise their civic duty but don't believe in choosing the lesser of two evils. By stamping the "NOTA", voters can show that they are not happy by the business as usual. The option provides an incentive to turn up and cast a "protest" vote. With the option, there is no reason to not vote.
What if "NOTA" wins? In case, "NOTA" gets the majority; the elections be held again with different faces. Thus, it may enhance the candidates' credentials and revitalize the prevailing democratic structure.
"None Of The Above" option does send a message even if gets the lowest percentage of votes cast in any constituency.
Kindly sign it to secure the right to reject the "being offered" and protest in a democratic manner.
The Issue
Electoral Reforms are urgently needed to improve the whole electoral mechanism and the democratic dispensation. Prior to General Elections-2013; the proposal to add "None Of The Above" option to the ballot paper was put forwarded by Election Commission of Pakistan; however, it faced all political parties' criticism (divergent reasons offered). After GE-2013, the electoral committee has been formed and it comprises the members from both benches but this particular proposal is not on the cards.
The statistics record the voter turn-out around fifty percent in the country's history with few fluctuations. "Not Voting" of the other half is read as voter apathy and lack of interest in the political process. There is no barometer to gauge whether "Not Voting" is a silent protest against the political structure, organisations, personages or these statistics emanate from voter indifference. Therefore, it is imperative to add "NOTA" option to ballot paper to ascertain voters' true voice.
The "PROTEST VOTE" is a democratic right that must be ensured. Currently, one may only stamp "YES" to what is being offered. Having the option enables the "unheard" to oppose rather being unconcerned. Voting the "NOTA" demonstrates the opinion that is not represented by "Any Of The Above". The option is the solution for those who want to exercise their civic duty but don't believe in choosing the lesser of two evils. By stamping the "NOTA", voters can show that they are not happy by the business as usual. The option provides an incentive to turn up and cast a "protest" vote. With the option, there is no reason to not vote.
What if "NOTA" wins? In case, "NOTA" gets the majority; the elections be held again with different faces. Thus, it may enhance the candidates' credentials and revitalize the prevailing democratic structure.
"None Of The Above" option does send a message even if gets the lowest percentage of votes cast in any constituency.
Kindly sign it to secure the right to reject the "being offered" and protest in a democratic manner.
Petition Closed
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Petition created on 26 February 2016