To abstain is to be present when a vote is taken but to choose to vote neither for nor against the proposal. Which of the following situations is the best example of abstaining?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → When the housing society votes on raising the monthly maintenance fee, Mr Iyer is in the hall but raises his hand neither for the proposal nor against it.
Abstaining has three parts: a vote is taken, the person is present at it, and he or she votes neither for nor against.
In Option (4) the society takes a vote, Mr Iyer is in the hall, and he raises his hand neither for nor against the proposal. All three parts are present.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (1) Mr Iyer is away in another city on the day the housing society votes on raising the monthly maintenance fee. — Incorrect. Mr Iyer is not present when the vote is taken.
Option (2) Mr Iyer attends the housing society meeting and votes against raising the monthly maintenance fee. — Incorrect. Mr Iyer votes against the proposal, so he does take a side.
Option (3) Mr Iyer is in the hall for the housing society meeting, but the meeting ends before any vote is taken. — Incorrect. No vote is taken, so there is nothing for Mr Iyer to abstain from.