The issue of voting rights for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) has resurfaced, as a parliamentary panel has endorsed remote voting options for overseas voters. While NRIs have been allowed to vote since 2011, they are required to cast their ballots in person, a restriction that significantly limits voter participation.
With an estimated 1.8 crore NRIs across the world, there is a growing demand for alternatives such as proxy voting or an electronic postal ballot system to ensure wider participation. However, concerns over electoral fraud, logistical challenges, and political opposition have kept the matter in limbo. Will this push for remote voting finally become a reality?
The Current Status of NRI Voting Rights
Under the current system:
- NRIs, or “overseas electors,” must be Indian citizens who have not taken foreign citizenship.
- They can register as voters in their last place of residence in India.
- To vote, they must physically visit their designated polling station.
This policy has resulted in extremely low voter turnout among NRIs. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, of the 1,19,374 enrolled overseas voters, only 2,958 cast their votes. The numbers were slightly better in 2019, with 25,606 NRIs voting out of 99,844 registered electors, a majority of whom were from Kerala.
Why is Remote Voting Necessary?
1.High Travel Costs and Inconvenience
Many NRIs find it financially and logistically unfeasible to travel back to India just to vote. The absence of remote voting effectively disenfranchises millions of eligible voters.
2.Growing Global Indian Diaspora
With Indians spread across the Gulf, North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia, it is essential to create a voting mechanism that reflects modern mobility and global interconnectedness.
3.Strengthening Democratic Participation
India prides itself on being the world’s largest democracy, and leaving out a significant section of its citizens weakens the electoral process.
Proposed Solutions for NRI Remote Voting
- Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS)
- NRIs would receive their ballots electronically.
- They could print, mark, and send them back via post or drop them off at an Indian Embassy.
- This method was previously used successfully for military personnel.
- Proxy Voting
- NRIs could authorize a trusted individual in India to vote on their behalf.
- This method has been controversial, with concerns over fraud and manipulation.
- A 2018 bill to introduce proxy voting passed in the Lok Sabha but later lapsed in the Rajya Sabha.
Challenges and Opposition to Remote Voting
- Security and Electoral Fraud Risks
- Critics, including Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, argue that proxy voting is prone to misuse.
- Ensuring voter authenticity in postal ballots remains a logistical challenge.
Political Concerns
- In 2018, most opposition parties opposed proxy voting, fearing it could be exploited for electoral gains.
- The BJP was the only major party in favor of the bill.
Implementation Challenges
- Setting up secure, tamper-proof electronic voting mechanisms requires significant investment.
- Coordination between the Election Commission, Law Ministry, and External Affairs Ministry is crucial.
What’s Next? Will NRIs Get Remote Voting Rights?
A parliamentary panel, headed by Shashi Tharoor, has recommended proxy voting and e-postal ballots for NRIs. The Law Ministry is currently reviewing these suggestions. Meanwhile, former Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has voiced strong support for enabling NRIs to vote remotely, citing India’s commitment to “No voter left behind.”
Other countries manage overseas voting
Many countries have developed remote voting systems for their overseas citizens, using methods such as postal ballots, online voting, and proxy voting. Here’s a look at how different nations facilitate expat voting:
- United States – Absentee Ballots
Method: Postal voting & electronic ballot request
Process: U.S. citizens abroad can request an absentee ballot electronically, fill it out, and return it by mail, email, or fax (depending on the state).
Security Measures: Ballots must be received before deadlines, and voters may need to provide ID verification.
Success Rate: High participation due to early ballot request options.
- United Kingdom – Proxy and Postal Voting
Method: Proxy voting & postal ballots
Process: UK citizens abroad can either vote by post or authorize a proxy (trusted person in the UK) to vote on their behalf.
Security Measures: ID verification is required, and postal ballots must be received before counting.
Challenges: Delays in postal ballots can impact voter participation.
- France – Internet Voting for Some Elections
Method: Online voting & postal ballots
Process: French citizens abroad can vote via an online portal for legislative elections.
Security Measures: Digital authentication and encryption prevent fraud.
Challenges: Some concerns over hacking risks.
- Canada – Mail-In Ballots
Method: Postal ballots
Process: Registered voters receive a mail-in ballot, which they must return before election day.
Security Measures: Voter verification is done via registration before elections.
Challenges: Mailing delays can affect vote counting.
- Germany – Postal Ballots Only
Method: Postal voting
Process: Overseas Germans must register before each election and send their ballots by post.
Security Measures: Strict deadlines and voter verification prevent fraud.
Challenges: Registration requirements limit participation.
- Australia – Overseas Voting at Embassies
Method: In-person voting at embassies & postal ballots
Process: Australian citizens abroad can vote at embassies or request a postal ballot.
Security Measures: Embassy-supervised voting ensures authenticity.
Challenges: Not all countries have embassy voting facilities.
What Can India Learn?
- E-postal ballots (like the U.S. & Canada) could be a practical option.
- In-person embassy voting (like Australia) could be added for those who prefer physical polling.
- Online voting (like France) could be explored in the future with strong cybersecurity measures.
A Step Towards Inclusive Democracy
Granting NRIs remote voting rights would be a significant step in strengthening India’s democratic process. While concerns over fraud and logistics must be addressed, adopting e-postal ballots (instead of proxy voting) could provide a secure and practical solution.
With growing global engagement, India cannot afford to ignore its diaspora. If implemented carefully, remote voting could empower millions of NRIs, ensuring they continue to have a say in the country’s future—no matter where they live.
(With inputs from agencies)
