How Indian Expats in UAE Can Register for Voting in Elections?

Empowering Indian Expats in UAE: Registration Process for 2024 Lok Sabha Elections

The announcement of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections by the Election Commission of India marks a significant event in the democratic process of the nation. Scheduled to commence from April 19 and conclude on June 1, these elections present an opportunity for Indian expatriates residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to actively participate in shaping the future of their homeland by registering as voters.

For non-resident Indians (NRIs), the avenue to exercise their voting rights has expanded through both online and offline registration processes. However, it’s imperative to note that physical presence in their respective constituencies in India is mandatory to cast their votes.

Prior to the year 2010, NRIs were barred from participating in the electoral process. The enactment of the Representation of People (Amendment) Act, 2010 marked a pivotal moment, granting NRIs the fundamental right to vote in Indian elections.

In recent times, the Press Information Bureau shared a message calling upon all NRI voters to actively participate in the upcoming elections. To qualify for voting rights, NRIs must possess a valid Indian passport and attain the age of 18 as of January 1 in the year when the electoral roll is published in their constituency.

The online registration process for overseas voters involves several steps:

1. Visit the Election Commission of India or designated voter portal service website.
2. Select the respective state or union territory and navigate to the state election commission section.
3. Download and fill out Form 6A, specifically designed for overseas voters.
4. Affix a passport-sized colored photograph and scan the filled form along with self-attested photocopies of relevant passport pages and visa endorsements.
5. Create a login on the ECI website and upload the scanned documents.
6. Alternatively, obtain Form 6A from the Indian Mission in the country of residence and follow the same procedure.
7. If applying by post, send a signed copy of Form 6A and required documents to the address of the electoral district officer in India, as listed on the ECI website.

Following the submission of Form 6A, the application undergoes scrutiny by the electoral registration officer. Verification entails a booth level officer visiting the applicant’s home address in India for field verification, or if necessary, verification documents may be sent to the Indian Mission in the applicant’s country of residence. The final decision is communicated to the applicant via postal correspondence and SMS notification.

For offline registration, NRIs must visit the electoral registration office in their respective constituencies, fill out Form 6A, and submit the required documents, including a recent passport-sized colored photograph, self-attested photocopies of relevant passport pages, address in India, and visa endorsements. Passport verification is mandatory during the offline registration process.

In conclusion, the elaborate registration process outlined above empowers Indian expatriates in the UAE to actively engage in the democratic process of their homeland, reinforcing the principles of inclusivity and democratic governance.