The Union government recently informed the Supreme Court that it is contemplating introducing a Remote Voting Facility for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), particularly migrant laborers. This aims to allow these individuals to vote remotely while ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
Background
In 2020, Election Commission officials put forth the idea of employing blockchain technology to facilitate remote voting, in order to overcome geographical barriers involved in voting. Current laws only permit certain categories of voters, such as service voters and those under preventive detention, to cast their votes through postal ballots. The Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill proposed to ease these limitations, however, it lapsed with the dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha.
What is Remote Voting?
Remote voting can be done either in person at a location other than the assigned polling station, by post, or by an appointed proxy. There are calls from various political parties for the Election Commission to provide means for migrant workers and NRIs to vote in their constituency from their current location, especially when traveling home to vote is not a feasible option.
Need for Remote Voting
Several factors highlight the need for remote voting. These include unfavorable conditions due to migration for education, employment and other reasons, and the consequential difficulties faced by such voters to return to their registered polling stations. Other considerations include low voter turnout in some metropolitan areas, a substantial number of unorganized sector workers, health concerns of senior citizens, etc. Implementing remote voting could potentially increase the voting percentage both in urban and rural areas.
Issues Related to Remote Voting
Despite the benefits, remote voting presents several challenges. Security risks such as vulnerability to cyber-attacks and privacy concerns are key among them. Furthermore, the reliability of voter verification systems, dependency on a stable internet connection, potential software errors or malware on voters’ devices, and the risk of invading voter’s privacy are also some problems associated with remote voting.
Current Voting Process for NRIs
Currently, eligible NRIs who have stayed abroad beyond six months are allowed to vote in person at the polling station where they are enrolled as overseas electors. An NRI can only vote in person and must produce their passport at the polling station for identity verification.
Way Forward
Any online voting system needs to provide verification that it has successfully maintained election integrity and no manipulation occurred during the voting or tallying processes. It is crucial that any remote voting system garners the confidence and acceptability of all electoral system stakeholders – voters, political parties, and election officials. Implementing an online voting system would require confidence in its security, integrity, and accuracy by both the government and general public.
Moreover, for NRIs, a postal ballot mechanism that allows for proper authentication of the ballot at designated consular/embassy offices and an effective postal system could simplify the process. However, specific rules should be framed considering the time spent away from the country.
