NRIs can now vote from Abroad
In what can be termed as good news for non resident Indians, all NRIs would now have a say in the formation of a new government as they would be able to cast their vote. The central government informed the Supreme Court earlier this month that it would allow NRIs to vote through an e-ballot voting system. So, if you are an NRI hand left out in the country’s voting process, brace yourself for voting as the NRI voting is likely to be instrumental in a little over 8 week period.
With the NRI voting tights into effect, non resident Indians would have a much larger say in electing their representatives in state assemblies and central government. With the government making it easy for NRIs to invest and send funds in India, the nonresident Indian community is now feeling it easier to stay connected with their roots compared to earlier years.
The bench of Chief Justice H L Dattu and Justice A K Sikri gave the Centre eight weeks to enable NRIs to cast their vote and implement Election Commission’s recommendation.
Duo NRI petitioners Drive The Result
The move to allow voting rights to NRIs through proxy vote or e-ballots was not an easy decision and two separate petitions filed by a UAE-based doctor and chairman of Pravasi Bharat in London made sure the Supreme Court took proactive decision in asking the government on a swift and early implementation. The move is likely to change the face of Indian electoral politics as there are over 10 million non resident Indians who would now be able to cast their vote during election. Considering the number of Lok Sabha seats currently stands at 543, the number comes to an estimated 18,000 additional votes per constituency which can be a game changer.
Election Commission Adopts E-ballots after Due Diligence:
The election commission of India has been under pressure to make sure there is an effective process in place to allow for NRI voting. The election commission has been proactive and has been testing various ways to accept NRI votes. There were suggestions made to the election commission to use internet voting but it was rejected as it was not foolproof and can be compromised. The voting of NRIs at diplomatic missions overseas was also rejected. Postal ballots were also considered but failed to make the cut. Finally the election commission zeroed in on E-postal ballot. The election commission would mail a blank postal ballot to each NRI voter eligible for voting and the NRI would have to fill in the details and votes and transfer it back to the election commission electronically. The process would be tested in the upcoming Delhi state assembly elections for a few constituencies and if found successful would be implemented on a pan India basis.
A new Form 6A was inserted for making application
An overseas Indian can get registered/enrolled in the Electoral Roll by filing the application for the purpose in prescribed Form 6A before the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO). The application can be presented in person or sent by post. Form 6A can be downloaded from the website of Election Commission of India.
The Committee is of the view that e-postal ballot, where blank postal ballot paper is transferred electronically to NRI and returned by post by NRI can be considered.The committee also recommends that the option of voting through proxy appointed by the overseas electors can be considered. In case NRI voter does not exercise any of these two options, then he/she can vote as a general elector who returns to India and becomes ordinarily resident in India.
