The 'None of The Above' (NOTA) option with its symbol on electronic voting machines (EVMs) will make its debut in the forthcoming assembly elections in four states and one Union Territory.

"For the first time in these states, a symbol for has been provided. Until now, the commission was writing NOTA, but this time the commission in consultation with National Institute of Design have prepared a symbol, which will be placed at the bottom of the list of the candidate," Chief Election Commissioner Naseem Zaidi told the media here.

The Election Commission of India introduced a specific symbol, like other election symbols, shown below, NOTA, to facilitate the voters in exercising their option.

The symbol will appear against the option in the last panel on all EVMs and ballot papers.

A cross on the list of candidates depicts the voter's decision not to vote for any candidate. The cross is a universal sign denoting disapproval. This makes the Nota symbol easy to recognise and remember.

In 2013, the Supreme Court had directed the EC to introduce a button for Nota in EVMs and a symbol on ballot papers to allow voters to exercise their right to reject a candidate as unworthy. Earlier, voters who wanted to reject all candidates had the option of filling form 49-O at a voting booth but this compromised the secrecy of the ballot.