EC releases NOTA symbol for all polls

New Delhi: The Election Commission (EC) has introduced a symbol for "None of the Above (NOTA)" option to facilitate voters in exercising their NOTA option in elections, it was announced on Friday.

"This symbol will now appear in the last panel on all EVMs and the other ballot papers against the NOTA option at all elections to be held from now onwards," an official statement said on Friday, adding necessary instructions have been issued to all the chief electoral officers. 

The NOTA option was made available to the voters with effect from October 11, 2013, pursuant to the Supreme Court order of September 27, 2013.

"The main objective of the NOTA option is to enable electors, who do not wish to vote for any of the candidates, to exercise their right without violation of the secrecy of their decision," it added.

The symbol for NOTA option was designed by the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.