THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even though there are over 25 lakh non-resident Keralites (NRKs), when it comes to registration of overseas electors, the state cuts a very sorry figure with only around 19,000 so far. Considering a long pending demand of overseas Indians, the Election Commission of India allowed overseas Indians to cast their vote if they were present in their respective constituencies at the time of polling, provided they register with the commission.
“So far only around 19,000 NRKs have registered on the overseas electors registry,” an election department official said.
The feeble response could not be due to their lack of interest in the political leadership, but due to other reasons like availability of leave and travel expenses involved. “Considering their large numbers, NRKs could become a decision-making factor. But unfortunately, the NRKs are not showing much interest in taking the pain to register with the Election Commission,” said K. V. Shamsudeen of Pravasi Bandhu Welfare Trust.
During the 2011 Assembly polls, as many as 8,820 NRKs had enrolled. However, those who turned up for voting was only 4,639. During the time of 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the registration had increased to 12,000. “However, Kerala has reasons to cheer as of the 14,000 NRIs who registered during the last Lok Sabha election time, 12,000 were NRKs,” said Mr Shamsudeen.
Pravasi organisations affiliated to political parties even used to arrange travel facilities for NRKs during elections. NRIs who are not on the voters list can register on the overseas electors facility with the Election Commission and can cast the vote by using their passport as an identity card, provided they are present here on polling date. No absentee voting facility is available for them.
