The Election Commission responded positively, while political parties reacted cautiously to the Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday that voters have a right to reject all candidates contesting polls in a constituency by opting for a negative vote.

The Election Commission said in accordance with the apex court order, ‘None of the Above’ shall be printed in a separate panel on the ballot paper below the name of the last contesting candidate.

The Congress said it would react to the verdict after studying it. The party’s chief spokesperson, Ajay Maken said the verdict needs to be studied to see if the apex court has taken all aspects like overwhelming number of negative votes into account as reacting on the spur of the moment could be a little premature.

The CPI(M) said the judgment is only a minor aspect of the issue of electoral reforms.

“These matters are being dealt with in a piecemeal way by the judiciary when what is required is comprehensive electoral reforms, including the issue of proportional representation and urgent steps to curb money and muscle power, which must be discussed and adopted by Parliament,” the Politbureau of the party said.

The BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi welcomed the judgement. He claimed that for a very long time he has been calling for a provision for a right to reject in elections.

“Without it, there was something lacking in the system,” he wrote in his blog.

“I wholeheartedly welcome this. I am sure it will have a long lasting impact on our polity and will be a great step in the direction of further electoral reforms that can make our democracy even more vibrant and participative,” he added.

jigeesh.am@thehindu.co.in

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