Announcement likely at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas meet.
By The American Bazaar Staff
NEW DELHI: Non Resident Indians (NRIs) may soon be allowed to vote in Indian elections through the American style of proxy voting which means voters can mail their vote through or vote at actual booths, which might be placed at locations like the Indian Embassy or Indian Consulates in respective countries around the world.
India’s External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj talked about the measure likely to be announced at the upcoming annual Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas, to be held in Gujarat, in January.
“EC is working on it, there are two suggestions – proxy voting or Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) be kept in embassies or they may come and vote. They will soon come up with a solution,” Swaraj said while addressing a press conference on the upcoming event in New Delhi, reported The Times of India.
India’s Parliament had in 2010 passed the Representation of People (Amendment) Bill, 2010 to allow NRIs to vote in Indian elections. An estimated 11 million NRIs are living in various countries across the world.
The 13th edition of the three-day PBD event beginning January 7 has a special significance this year as it will also commemorate the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the conclave on January 8 while President Pranab Mukherjee will confer Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards to distinguished overseas Indians on January 9.
Swaraj said around 3,000 delegates from the diaspora community from across the world are likely to participate in the event being organized by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs along with Gujarat Government.
Swaraj said President of the Republic of Guyana Donald Ramotar will be chief guest at the event, and the foreign minister of South Africa would also be present.