Most NRIs are unaware they can vote in Indian polls from abroad

Those who want to vote have practical difficulties in coming to India

By Hamsaveni N

The e-postal ballot system promises overseas voters they can exercise their right to vote.But most NRIs lack awareness about how to registerthemselves as overseas voters.

According to Law Minister Kiren Rijiju, the total number of NRIs registered as overseas voters 1.15 lakh as on January 1, 2023. The Election Commission is looking into the possibilities and logistical challenges pertaining to the e-mail ballot system for NRIs, he added. The Election Commission is working with Minister of External Affairs ,which will allow lakhs of NRIs to cast their votes from the foreign country they are living in..

Planning Needed

• An NRI who wants to visit India has to plan at least six months in advance

• Only 3,000 persons have registered as overseas voters in Karnataka

• No. of NRIs registered as overseas voters stood at 1.15 lakh on Jan 1

‘HIGH RISK’

There are high chances of fraud and malpractice in e-portal voting.We can imagine the blame and false accusations that can come up when an NRI is voting online.

- Dr Hrishikesh, political science professor

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Shreshtha Maheshwari, an NRI,informed The Observer: “I moved to Costa Rica in 2017 for employment. I have travelled to India multiple times, but never during elections, I couldn’t fly to India to cast my vote. It is impossible to take a flight during elections for multiple reasons.”

The cost of journey is major factor preventing people to visit India during elections.

“In fact, we (Indians) often have discussions on Indian politics, but sadly are not able to cast our votes. E-postal voting will really help a lot of NRIs staying away from the country to cast their votes and exercise their rights. It is a good initiative and should be implemented.”

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