MEA gives nod to electronic postal voting for Diaspora

New Delhi: The ministry of external affairs has given nod to implement The Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) for Diaspora choosing over the suggestion of proxy voting.

The decision, however, comes with a rider asking the election commission to have it discussed with all stakeholders.

The election commission may well hold parleys with those including Diaspora outfits before hammering out the set up.

The ministry of external affairs earlier set its face against attesting voters' affidavits having to accompany electronic postal vote.

The reason cited for this was staff shortage requiring to manage the process at consulates and embassies.

The election commission is set to discuss the same with various departments aside from including NRI outfits.

Earlier, the election commission submitted a recommendation regarding The Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) to the ministry of law and Justice.

The commission also informed that it was ready to implement electronic postal voting for the upcoming polls in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, West Bengal, and Assam.

The Centre government had decided to implement the voting in  countries barring those in the gulf region.