2024 Lok Sabha Elections, Indian expats in UAE can register online
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Dubai: The Election Commission of India has declared the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, set to run from April 19 to June 1. Notably, Indian expatriates residing in the UAE have the opportunity to register as voters.
Indian non-resident citizens (NRIs) can now register to vote online or offline, although they must be physically present in their respective constituencies to cast their ballots. This voting privilege for NRIs was established through an amendment to the Representation of People (Amendment) Act in 2010, overturning previous restrictions.
In a recent announcement shared by the Press Information Bureau, a call has been made to all NRI voters to exercise their voting rights during the upcoming elections.
For online registration:
1. Visit the Election Commission of India or the voter portal service website.
2. Choose your state or union territory and navigate to the state election commission section.
3. Download and fill out Form 6A.
4. Upload the scanned form along with the required documents on the ECI website.
Alternatively, applicants can obtain Form 6A from the Indian Mission in their country of residence. For offline applications, a signed copy of Form 6A and relevant documents must be sent to the electoral district officer in India.
Upon submission, the application undergoes scrutiny by the electoral registration officer. Field verification is then conducted, either by a booth-level officer or through the Indian Mission in the applicant's country of residence. The final decision is communicated to the applicant via post and SMS.
NRIs will find their names listed in a separate section for "Overseas Electors" on the ECI website. They are not issued Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) and must vote in person at their respective polling stations, presenting their original passport.
The inclusion of NRIs in the electoral process reflects India's commitment to empowering its diaspora and ensuring their participation in shaping the nation's future.
The announcement of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections signals a significant opportunity for Indian expatriates in the UAE to exercise their democratic rights. By facilitating the registration and voting process for NRIs, the Election Commission of India reinforces the importance of their contribution to the country's democratic process.
