| Introduction: Contextual introduction. Body: Explain significance and challenges associated with allowing e-postal ballots for overseas Indian voters. Conclusion: Write a way forward. |
India has the largest diaspora population, with nearly 1.35 crore NRIs spread across the globe. The Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) was developed by the Election Commission of India with the help of C-DAC for the use of service voters. This system enables the entitled service voter to cast their vote using an electronically received postal ballot from anywhere outside their constituency.
Significance of e-postal ballots for overseas Indian voters:
- The ETPBS method allowed for greater turnout among service voters in the 2019 Lok Sabha election.
- The postal ballot method has been recognised as a means to allow overseas voters to exercise their right.
- Time constraint involved in dispatch of postal ballot has been addressed using this system, as it sends postal ballots electronically to eligible service voters.
- Secrecy is maintained and no duplication of casted ETPB is possible due to the unique quick response code.
- This is also a more trustworthy way of registering mandates rather than appointing proxies- which is currently allowed for service personnel who are a limited number in each constituency unlike NRIs who could constitute a more substantial chunk among the electorate in some States.
Challenges:
- It could require to overcome “huge logistical challenges” and needs “a realistic assessment of requirements” due to massive population of NRIs.
- It may cause monetary constraints.
- Lack of sufficient number of trained personnels.
An effective postal system should ease this process for NRIs. The rules must be clearly framed for eligibility on the basis of time spent away from the country.
