The Hindu Business Line : Gulf NRIs want voting rights

NON-resident Indians (NRIs) in the UAE have in recent weeks been vociferous in their demand that they be allowed to exercise their franchise. They are also demanding adequate representation in the Indian Parliament and the creation of a full-fledged ministerial portfolio at the Centre to take care of NRI affairs.

NRIs point out that they are a 20-million population across the globe with over four million the residing in the Gulf states alone. Indian expatriates in the UAE have been voicing their demand to be allowed to vote on several occasions over the past two decades. It was one of the main points in the agenda that NRIs presented to the Indian Government during Pravasi Bharatiya Divas held in New Delhi earlier this year.

In recent weeks, the local press has been providing extensive support by airing the NRI grievances. Indian expatriates maintain that they have a right to cast their vote, just as expatriates from other nationalities do so in the UAE and other Gulf countries. Mr Thomas John, President of the Abu Dhabi-based India Social Centre, told Business Line that an option similar to the postal vote accorded to military personnel in India, could be adopted for NRIs till the necessary infrastructure is in place in all the Indian missions.

He hoped that the newly-elected Government would address the legal aspects involved in clearing the way for NRIs to vote. It was also necessary that a Union Minister be appointed to look after NRIs' affairs. More representation for NRIs in Parliament was also needed, particularly as the Indian Government is recognising the major role being played by NRIs on the economic front, he said.

Mr Y.A. Rahim, President of the Sharjah Indian Association, said that it was necessary to amend the People's Representation Act to remove the clause stating that the voter should reside in the country for six months prior to the voting date. "Though we have been appealing for voting rights, unless these amendments are carried out, we know that no progress can be made on this issue,'' he pointed out.

He hoped the new Government would take up this matter on a priority basis after it assumes office. However, Indian Consul General, Mr Yashwant Sinha, said that this was not something in which Indian missions could take a decision. "It requires that Parliament amends the laws related to voting. We have apprised the Government of the demand by NRIs that they be allowed to vote," he said.

He pointed out that this issue may take time to implement and that the Government was taking up the representation of the NRIs on a number of issues in a phased manner. "The demand for PIO status for instance has been granted. Voting rights will also be addressed though it is difficult to say when it will be implemented as the legal issues have to be looked into," he added.