Elections: Give me the right to say “Anyone but not …”

A news item says that nearly one percent of voters in Tamilnadu exercised their right to say None of the Above in their ballot slips, presumably showing their disgust of the choice made available to them. 

Over 5.55 lakh Tamil Nadu voters opt for NOTA,
By IANS, Thursday, 19 May 2016

The NOTA option has earned more votes than at least four of the political parties in the fray. Further, the NOTA votes cast are probably more than 50% of the difference between the votes earned by the two major parties. If there had been no NOTA, the results could have been different. A simple idea has shown its teeth!

In the light of this, I have a suggestion for another step forward. We have politicians who exploit hatred and instigate violence. Many voters would like to ensure that such elements don’t get elected, leaving the field open to other candidates. The choice between Tweedledum and Tweedledee may not matter to them, as long as criminal or corrupt elements are kept out. I believe that we should get the right to say ABUT (Anyone but …)! If I vote against a candidate marking the ABUT box, it should reduce his/her vote count by one without affecting the vote count of other candidates. It will increase the chances of the ABUT candidate losing the deposit. Hate mongers, candidates put up to make mischief, etc., can be stopped easily by this process, making the election process a little better. For instance, it might make a party think twice before giving a seat to a known criminal or a corrupt politician.