India (Commonwealth Union)_ Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Indian government is actively encouraging all Non-Resident Indian (NRI) voters to take part in the forthcoming polls, which is slated to be conducted in seven phases commencing from April 19, with the results of the elections to be announced on June 4. Accordingly, NRIs are requested to cast their votes by completing Form 6A online and submitting necessary documentation via the official Election Commission website.
In a statement shared on X, the Press Information Bureau urged NRI voters to exercise their voting rights in the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections, accompanied by a step-by-step guide elucidating the process for NRI voter participation in the general elections. The post read as follows: “Calling all NRI voters to cast their vote this Lok Sabha Elections”.
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According to the latest data published in the World Migration Report by the UN, India boasts the largest diaspora globally. Currently, over three crore Indians are settled abroad, commonly referred to as overseas Indians. Additionally, data from the Ministry of External Affairs indicates that 3,21,00,340 individuals are residing overseas, among whom 1,34,59,195 are Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), and 1,86,83,645 are Persons of Indian Origin (PIO).
Notably, NRIs possess rights such as voting in India, which PIOs do not. The data reveals that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is home to the largest NRI population, with more than 34 lakh Indians. Next on the list is Saudi Arabia which has 26 lakh and then the USA with 12.8 lakh. Conversely, for PIOs, the US tops the list with 31.8 lakh, followed by Malaysia and Myanmar, accommodating 27.60 lakh and 20 lakh individuals of Indian origin, respectively.
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These figures carry the potential to influence election results if NRIs actively participate in voting. The collective impact of these additional votes, if cast, could significantly sway the outcome. The ripple effects of extending voting rights to NRIs are already apparent, with political parties and governments beginning to engage with the NRI community. Hence, with the extension of voting rights, NRIs are anticipated to assume a more substantial role in providing policy inputs and interacting with the state. Consequently, they are poised to become a crucial constituency that every political party attempts to connect with.
In the Lok Sabha polls of 2024, the participation of Non-Resident Indian (NRI) voters holds significant influence. NRIs, who are Indian citizens living abroad, have the opportunity to cast their votes through online registration and submission of necessary documents. Their participation also adds to the democratic process, reflecting a diverse range of voices and perspectives in India’s electoral outcomes. NRIs are the Indian citizens residing abroad due to employment, education, etc., without acquiring citizenship of any other country. These individuals are eligible to vote.
Application process
Here’s a breakdown of the process for NRIs to cast their votes in the impending Lok Sabha elections:
Step 1: Complete Form 6A online at https://voterportal.eci.gov.in/ and upload the requisite documents.
Step 2: The booth level officer will conduct a verification process at the address specified in the passport, validating copies of the submitted documents.
Step 3: Form 8 can be utilized for rectifications in the electoral roll.
Step 4: NRIs can cast their votes by presenting their original passport at the designated polling station.
Verification process
Required documents for NRI voters include recent passport-sized colored photographs affixed to Form 6A and self-attested photocopies of relevant passport pages containing photographs, addresses in India, and valid visa endorsements. The form can be submitted either in person or via mail. Submission methods include in-person delivery to the constituency’s Electoral Registration Officer or Assistant ERO, or via postal service, with photocopies of the documents self-attested as per ECI guidelines. In case of in-person submission to the ERO, the original passport must be presented for verification. Post-submission procedures entail a booth level officer visitation to the passport’s registered home address for document verification.
In the event of unavailability of family members or relatives to furnish verification declarations, records will be forwarded to the respective Indian Mission. The Electoral Registration Officer’s decision will be communicated through postal mail to the applicant’s address and via SMS to the mobile number given in Form 6A. NRIs will not receive an EPIC (Electoral Photo Identity Card) and are mandated to vote in person at the polling station, presenting their original passport for verification. As per data from the Election Commission, the registered voter count exceeds 97 crores, comprising 49.7 crores males and 47.1 crores females.
Overall, the participation of Non-Resident Indian (NRI) voters is poised to have a notable influence on the Lok Sabha polls of 2024. NRIs, residing abroad while retaining Indian citizenship, represent a diverse segment of the electorate with varied perspectives and experiences. As they engage in the democratic process by casting their votes, NRIs bring forth unique viewpoints and priorities shaped by their global experiences. Their participation also contributes to the democratic fabric of India, ensuring that the voices of overseas Indians are included in the electoral decisions that will shape the nation’s future. Thus, the involvement of NRI voters in the Lok Sabha polls of 2024 adds a valuable dimension to the electoral landscape, reflecting the inclusive nature of India’s democracy.
