No More Uncontested Elections: ‘No Vote’ Option Introduced

To prevent a repeat of the 2014 national election—where 154 members of parliament were elected uncontested—the government has introduced a ‘No Vote’ provision.

On Monday (3 November) night, the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law issued the amended Representation of the People Order (RPO). The President has signed the ordinance, following its approval in an earlier meeting of the Advisory Council.

Considering the election-time situation, the ordinance has been promulgated under the authority of Article 93 (1) of the Constitution. Along with several modifications, new provisions have also been added.

According to the amendment, Article 19 of the RPO now includes a ‘No Vote’ clause. Under the new rule, if there is only one candidate in a constituency, the ballot paper will include a ‘No Vote’ option. This means voters will have the right to reject the lone candidate. If the number of ‘No Votes’ exceeds the votes received by the candidate, the election will be held again in that constituency.

Furthermore, if a candidate appeals against the cancellation of their nomination, no one can be declared elected uncontested until the appeal process is complete.

The amended ordinance also states that after the scrutiny and withdrawal process, if only one candidate remains in a constituency, voting will still take place. The candidate must compete against the ‘No Vote’. If they receive more votes than the ‘No Vote’, they will be declared elected by the Returning Officer. However, if ‘No Votes’ are higher, a re-election will be conducted. In the re-election, if there is again only one candidate, that person will then be declared elected uncontested.

Khaborwala/TSN