For the first time in the history of India's electoral process, voters have been given the liberty to reject outright the candidates competing in the poll fray. The rejection option – a clear exhibition of resentment on behalf of the voter – was not recorded in the past other than through vague attempts to draw conclusions from poll percentages. Rather than boycotting the electoral process, dissatisfaction can now be exercised by selecting the 'None of the Above' (NOTA) option provided on every Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and ballot paper used in the 16th Lok Sabha elections.
The unprecedented nationwide reform came as a result of the Supreme Court of India's landmark judgment on 27 September 2013 directing the Election Commission of India (ECI) to make necessary provisions on ballot papers and EVMs, noting that the initiative would increase electoral participation. Though a NOTA vote has no impact on the electoral race in a substantive sense (the candidate who secures the highest number of valid votes polled, irrespective of the percentage of NOTA votes, will be elected), a NOTA vote will nonetheless be recorded, providing a strong indication of electoral disenchantment. With a large number of candidates tainted by corruption, many argue that the NOTA option will act as a barometer of the quality of candidates running, as well as compelling political parties to nominate candidates of greater integrity.