The Parliamentary Panel on External Affairs chaired by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor is keen on the Indian diaspora getting voting rights through electronic ballot system or proxy voting.

Non-resident Indians (NRIs) with Indian citizenship, whose names show up on the voter list, do not have the provision right now to vote except by being physically present at their respective polling stations.

The panel has, therefore, called for attention to the matter, which has thus far not been looked at seriously. At present, the matter of granting voting rights to NRIs rests with the Law Ministry. NRI voting can be enabled only if the Representation of the People Act, 1950, is amended suitably.

The panel in its report highlighted the increasing number of NRIs who either have dual nationality or do not possess Indian citizenship. It urged the Ministry of External Affairs to pursue the issue with the Election Commission of India and the Law Ministry for a quick resolution. – editor@nrifocus.com