Incarcerated candidates filing their nominations in absentia, sitting MPs surfacing only at election time and leaders making/breaking alliances at the drop of a hat — if you have had enough of them, rule 49 (O) — that allows a voter to not vote for any of the candidates — may be what you are looking for.
As per Rule 49 (O) of the Conduct of Election Rules 1961, a voter can register his vote, but not vote for any candidate. The voter needs to fill a form that is available with the presiding officer. While the vote would not be counted, it will be included in the voter turnout figures. Unfortunately, the ‘‘negative’’ vote will have no effect on deciding the winner.
The voter is required to sign in a special register. These votes are not counted and the winner is decided by the valid vote cast. It also helps in controlling proxy voting.
POWER TO SAY NO
49 (O) is a rule in The Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, under which a person can go to the polling station but not cast his vote if he/she doesn’t like the listed candidates in the area. The vote will not be counted and the winner will be decided on the basis of valid votes
How to use 49 (O) option
Just inform the presiding officer at the poll booth about your decision. The decision is recorded in a register which is signed by the voter
