Tomorrow May 7, Goans will be voting in order to choose the two candidates who will represent the state in Parliament. Voting is not just a right but also a civic responsibility that every citizen should embrace. By voting, one can express one’s opinion, shape the nation’s future, and hold elected representatives accountable. Voting empowers marginalized sections of society, allowing them to have a say in matters that affect their lives. It promotes the growth of a responsible and responsive government. Incidentally voters also have the “None of The Above” (NOTA) option. If NOTA votes get the most number of votes in a constituency, the next candidate with the second-most number of votes is declared the winner. The idea that the ability to voice dissatisfaction would encourage more people to engage in the democratic process led to the decision to include NOTA. Interestingly, a NOTA vote is a neutral vote that is eventually discounted towards the final total, which distinguishes it from a negative vote and has no arithmetic value. It could lead to an undeserving candidate being elected. Hence NOTA option should be utilized in the rarest of rare cases.
