New Delhi, Feb 29: The Election Commission on Sunday said it had proposed that the electorate be given the option for the first time of not voting for any of the candidates contesting an election.
Chief Election Commissioner TS Krishna Murthy said the proposal for voting "none of the above" had been forwarded to the central government, which has decided to call an all-party meeting to discuss the issue.
Krishna Murthy referred to the proposal while announcing the schedule for the general election to constitute a new parliament. He said the proposal had been sent to the government "some time back". "The Election Commission supports such a move," said Krishna Murthy, noting voters should have the option of not supporting any of the candidates in an election.

A total of 675 million voters would be eligible to vote in the general election to be held in four phases in April-May to choose members for the 14th Lok Sabha, the lower house of parliament.

Polls to choose new assemblies in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Orissa and Sikkim would be held simultaneously with the general election.

Bureau Report