Dubai, Jan 12 (ANI): The Indian community living in the UAE feels the procedure to exercise their franchise is too complicated, and has urged the government to simplify the voting process.
The Indian government recently called on its citizens in the diaspora to exercise their franchise in the elections to five state legislatures beginning January 28.
According to the guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI), NRIs who want to vote must first register or enroll with the country's electoral roll by filling an online form.
They will then have to submit it in person or by post to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of their respective constituency. To cast their vote on election day, they will have to be physically present in the designated polling station with their original passport.
But many Indians in the UAE said the procedure for voting should be made simpler, with provisions being made for them to cast their ballots here, The Gulf News reports.
"The process must be simplified. It is too long and cumbersome. Moreover, I have to make a special trip back home if I have to cast my vote," said a senior oil and gas executive from Delhi.
"I haven't been able to visit my native place to meet my family for so many years. I can't afford it. How can you expect me to plan a visit for an election?" said another man from Uttar Pradesh.
Meanwhile, M.K. Lokesh, Indian Ambassador in the UAE, said that NRIs who want to cast their votes in India will have to directly register with the ECI, and not with the Indian missions or their website as being widely reported by the media. (ANI)
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