Turnout of Overseas Indians in Lok Sabha Election

Despite 1.2 lakh overseas Indians registering for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, voter turnout was very low. 

• Kerala led in registrations and voting, while many states saw no participation.

Key Highlights of Election Commission Report

• Overall Participation of NRI Voters
  • Registrations (2024): 1,19,374
  • Registrations (2019): 99,844
  • Voter Turnout (2024): Only 2,958 (2.48% of registered overseas electors)

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Data On Turnout by State

Provisions for NRI/Overseas Voting

• Voting rights for NRIs were introduced only in 2011, through an amendment to the Representation of the People Act 1950.
• Eligibility:
  • Must be an Indian citizen without citizenship in another country.
  • Eligible to register in the electoral roll of their constituency in India based on the address in their passport.
  • Absence from India due to employment, education, or other valid reasons.
• Voting Process:
  • Register using Form 6A submitted to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of their constituency.
  • Voting can only be done in-person at the designated polling booth in India.
  • Identity verification requires presenting a valid Indian passport.

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Initiatives to Improve Overseas Voting

• Proxy Voting:
  • Bill passed by the Lok Sabha in 2018 but not tabled in the Rajya Sabha.
  • NRIs could authorize a relative in India to vote on their behalf.
• Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS):
  • Proposed in 2020 by the Election Commission to facilitate remote voting for overseas electors.
  • The process involves electronically transmitting ballots, which voters return via post after marking their choice.
  • Requires amendments to election rules, pending government approval.

Challenges in Improving Oversea Voter Turnout

• Travel and Logistical Constraints:
  • High cost and time required to travel to India.
  • Employment and academic commitments abroad prevent physical presence.
• Limited Voting Mechanisms: In-person voting is the only option under current laws, creating barriers for NRIs.
• Legislative Delays: Proxy voting and ETPBS remain stalled due to the lack of legislative action.
• Awareness and Outreach: Limited awareness among NRIs about registration and voting processes.

Way Forward

• Policy Reforms: Expedite amendments to allow postal ballots and proxy voting for NRIs. Reforms in Election rules to accommodate remote voting technologies.
• Enhanced Awareness Campaigns: Launch targeted campaigns to educate NRIs about voter registration and participation processes.
• Streamlined Processes: Simplify the application and verification procedures for overseas voters.
  • Collaborate with Indian embassies to facilitate document submission and voting logistics.
• Pilot Projects: Implement pilot programs for ETPBS to test feasibility and resolve technical challenges.

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Conclusion

The low participation of overseas Indian voters in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections calls for urgent electoral reforms. Simplifying voting mechanisms and addressing logistical barriers can empower the Indian diaspora to actively engage in the democratic process, fostering a more inclusive electoral system.