EC is against any physical voting at Indian embassies
Chief Election Commissioner V.S. Sampath (Photo: PTI/File)
New Delhi: Preferring proxy voting and e-ballots for NRIs, the Election Commission said the external affairs ministry is against any physical voting at Indian embassies, high commissions and consulates overseas.
“We are not opposed to anything, but will do anything that is feasible,” chief election commissioner V.S. Sampath said. He said a committee of officials from the EC, law ministry and MEA had gathered views from all sections before submitting a report to the Supreme Court. Mr Sampath said any move to allow NRIs to use proxy votes on the lines of defence personnel and e-ballots will require changes in the law.
“It will require a legislative framework. Legislators will have to apply their mind,” he said. The CEC said if the proposal sailed through, NRIs would be sent ballot papers electronically, and they will have to return it to the poll authorities “physically”. Mr Sampath said the MEA felt it will be difficult as, in some countries, the NRI population could be equal to the local populace.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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