Looking Homeward: The Case for External Voting for the Indian Diaspora South Asian Voices – South Asian Voices
Posted By admin on April 11, 2024
This year marks a watershed moment for democracy, as over half of the global population gears up to vote. India anticipates over 970 million eligible voters for its 2024 general election, which will be held this summer. However, Indias diaspora adds another dimension beyond its vast domestic electorate, comprising approximately 32 million individuals who cannot vote from abroad due to in-person voting requirements. This group includes 13 million Non-Residential Indians (NRIs), who are Indian citizens residing overseas for employment or education, and can vote in Indian elections only if they are physically present at polling stations. In contrast, the 18 million Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), a status created in 2005 for foreign citizens of Indian ancestry living abroad, enjoy several privileges but cannot register to vote in Indian elections.
The Indian diaspora, the largest in the world, plays a crucial role in the countrys economy, contributing the highest global remittances at USD $111.2 billion (in 2022), bolstering Indias foreign exchange reserves and accounting for nearly three percent of Indias GDP. Their involvement has not only enhanced Indias financial standing but has also facilitated technology transfers and socio-economic development, acting as vital links between India and the world. Furthermore, the diasporas influence extends to diaspora diplomacy, where their growing affluence and advocacy abroad enhances Indias soft power. Recognizing their importance, Indias prime minister has actively engaged with the diaspora, referring to them as brand ambassadors pivotal in advancing Indias interests internationally.
Despite their significant contributions and the escalating challenges they face abroad, including racial and ethnic discrimination, the diasporas political participation remains limited due to Indias policy of in-person voting requirements and the absence of consulate or postal voting options. As the Indian diaspora continues to expand and its global influence grows, there is a pressing need for more inclusive political participation to ensure their voices are heard in shaping Indias future.
The Case for External Voting
Since the 1990s, the widespread adoption of emigrant enfranchisement or external voting allowing non-resident citizens to partake in their home countrys electionshas been emblematic of a shift toward a more expansive notion of citizenship. By 2020, the practice of diaspora voting was embraced by 140 countries, up from 35 in 1990. This shift, fueled by the interplay of globalization, democratization, and technological advances, underscores the role of external voting as an indispensable aspect of contemporary democracy.
As the Indian diaspora continues to expand and its global influence grows, there is a pressing need for more inclusive political participation to ensure their voices are heard in shaping Indias future.
Among the large migrant-sending countries, the range of external voting policies varies significantly worldwide, ranging from inclusive to restrictive and prohibitive. Inclusive policies, seen in countries like Turkey and the Dominican Republic, allow extensive diaspora participation through voting rights and legislative representation from abroad. Conversely, restrictive policies, exemplified by India, impose barriers such as the need for physical presence at polling stations, complex registration processes, and stringent eligibility criteria, thereby limiting diaspora engagement. At the extreme end, prohibitive policies in countries like Uruguay and Ireland entirely disallow emigrant participation in elections.
The general understanding of external voting has evolved from its initial conceptualization as a mere voting procedure to being recognized as a key component of a broader diaspora strategy. Scholars view it as a strategic tool for states to foster connections with their global citizenry, acknowledging the vital roles played by diasporas, through their financial contributions and international advocacy in both the country of origin and settlement. Some scholars also argue that external voting can also be a signaling strategy used by states to demonstrate their commitment to democratic values to the international community and prominent emigrant lobbies abroad. With the steady increase in development financing and remittances from the diasporas abroad, India should consider external voting a key strategy to continue engaging the diaspora and upholding their support.
In todays context, where NRIs often face challenges and discrimination in their host countries, external voting holds significant importance. The ability to vote from abroad offers migrants a sense of identity and belonging, while also giving them avenues to counter issues like deportation, violence, and ethnic hostilities by leveraging their home countries diplomatic channels. For Indian migrants, including NRIs and OCIs, the significance of external voting policies is particularly pronounced due to the well-documented human and labor rights abuses under the kafala system in the Gulf and the caste and race-based discrimination in developed Western countries. The Indian governments response to these issues has been piecemeal due to migrants lack of political leverage. Therefore, migrant organizations have recognized the necessity of being recognized as a voting bloc in their home countries, which would allow migrants to advocate their interests both at home and abroad. With the Indian governments strong diplomatic leverage globally, external voting could further incentivize it to advocate for protecting its diaspora populations with host country governments.
Challenges in Expanding Voting Rights for NRIs
The current stance of the Indian government on voting rights for NRIs is notably restrictive. While the government provides a framework for NRIs to register as voters based on the address on their passports, it insists on their physical presence at polling stations to cast their vote. This policy stems from the logistical challenges and limited capabilities of Indian foreign services to enable external voting through consulates or postal ballots, leading to less than one percent of NRIs registering to vote in 2019.
Over the last decade, there has been increasing demand from the Indian diaspora for reforms to eliminate the necessity of physical presence for voting. This issue has been brought before the Lok Sabha and the Supreme Court of India. In 2018, the Lok Sabha introduced an amendment to the Representation of People Act 1950, which would allow proxy voting for NRIs. However, it faced opposition from all parties and was not discussed in the Rajya Sabha. Subsequently, the government retracted its consideration of the proposal. In 2022, the Supreme Court directed the attorney general to facilitate overseas voting, and in 2023, the Election Commission indicated its intention to pilot postal voting for NRIs. Yet, with the 2024 general elections drawing near, progress in implementing these reforms has not been realized and the requirement for physical presence at polling stations persists.
Crafting inclusive external voting policies is a multifaceted endeavor, necessitating meticulous examination, dialogue, and debate on both procedural and broader political issues. Indias journey toward expanding external voting policies involves a comprehensive analysis of legal, normative, and socio-political factors unique to its context. This exploration could help India customize its NRI participation policies, potentially addressing key issues such as dual citizenship and OCI eligibility based on successful models from other countries. Normative considerations require a comprehensive evaluation of how diaspora voting influences domestic politics, including analyzing its legitimacy and potential demographic impacts. Additionally, procedural deliberations are essential, such as deciding in which elections (general, state, or local) voters are eligible to participate, and the logistical viability of different voting methods, such as proxy voting, postal ballots, internet voting, or consulate voting.
This exploration could help India customize its NRI participation policies, potentially addressing key issues such as dual citizenship and OCI eligibility based on successful models from other countries.
Time for Inclusivity in Voting
The relationship between India and its global diaspora necessitates policies that not only enable diaspora engagement in home country politics but also reflect Indias strategic interests in leveraging its overseas population for global influence. These considerations underscore the complex interplay of factors that India must address to develop inclusive and effective external voting policies. Establishing a foundational framework for NRI participation marks the initial step towards broader inclusivity, setting the stage for future enhancements that could extend rights to OCIs and address the broader diasporas needs. The widespread global implementation of external voting reflects a profound acknowledgment that citizenship extends beyond physical borders. As migration patterns intensify and demands for political inclusivity grow, the adoption of external voting would highlight Indias commitment to staying aligned with a more globalized, democratic, and technologically advanced world.
Also Read: SAV Explainer: Peoples Movement to Include Ladakh Under the Sixth Schedule
***
Image 1:
Image 2: Qatar workers via Flickr
More:
- A long wait: Indian diaspora sends Covid aid, but it gets stuck in the process - India Today [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2021]
- Join Influential Black Women From Across The Diaspora At The ESSENCE I Am Speaking Summit - Essence [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2021]
- 6 famous members of the Armenian diaspora that have taken the world by storm - Daily Sundial [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2021]
- On the ground and afar, diaspora boosts India's virus fight - The Associated Press [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2021]
- Georgia State University, Clinton Global Initiative Partner To Improve Educational Opportunity In The Caribbean - Georgia State University News [Last Updated On: May 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 27th, 2021]
- "There is a Wealth of Talented Singers in the Diaspora, But no Platform to Showcase Their Talent" - Gary McCook, founder of the Jamaica... [Last Updated On: May 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 27th, 2021]
- Belief - Shaping The Reality Of Life In The Asian Diaspora - Cinelinx [Last Updated On: May 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 27th, 2021]
- We stand with Armenia! Just what does that mean? - Armenian Weekly [Last Updated On: May 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 27th, 2021]
- Op-Ed: Were at the beginning of the California diaspora - Los Angeles Times [Last Updated On: May 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 27th, 2021]
- Sterling Bay Partners With Gallery Guichard To Showcase Art Of The African Diaspora At One Two Pru - PRNewswire [Last Updated On: May 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 27th, 2021]
- Indian diaspora in Japan comes together to aid homeland - The Mainichi - The Mainichi [Last Updated On: May 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 27th, 2021]
- Ripples of unrest in Colombia reach Florida, home to a third of U.S. diaspora - Tampa Bay Times [Last Updated On: May 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 27th, 2021]
- 'Concerning rise in antisemitism' linked to IDF operation - ministry - The Jerusalem Post [Last Updated On: May 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 29th, 2021]
- Press Releases - City of Houston [Last Updated On: May 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 29th, 2021]
- Saaya Unveiled: Milwaukee author offers insight into the mental health issues of the South Asian diaspora - Milwaukee Independent [Last Updated On: May 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 29th, 2021]
- The rage of anti-Zionism: When Jews are targeted for Israel's actions - The Jerusalem Post [Last Updated On: May 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 29th, 2021]
- President Zurabishvili: 'Georgian Diaspora should be given right to take active part in Georgia's democratic processes' - Agenda.ge [Last Updated On: May 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 29th, 2021]
- Indiaspora raises over $1 million for COVID relief from [Last Updated On: May 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 29th, 2021]
- Diaspora | Definition, History, & Facts | Britannica [Last Updated On: May 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 29th, 2021]
- Nollywood: how professionalism -- and a new elite audience -- is affecting it - The Conversation CA [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2021]
- Diaspora IPOB group indicates readiness to leave Nigeria - The Nation Newspaper [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2021]
- The Responsibilities of Caribbean Intellectuals, Part II - Stabroek News [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2021]
- JUST IN: Communities and diaspora combine for projects - Chronicle [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2021]
- Diaspora "doesn't even known where Greece falls on a map", say leftist deputies opposed to voting rights for Greeks abroad - Neos Kosmos [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2021]
- Rally marks year and a day since Black Lives Matter protest filled Ottawa streets - Ottawa Citizen [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2021]
- New book co-edited by a VCU professor offers a more inclusive understanding of the Arab diaspora - VCU News [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2021]
- Jamaicas Education Minister, Fayval Williams to Connect with Jamaicans in the Diaspora - South Florida Caribbean News [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2021]
- Faced With a Tsunami of Antisemitism, Diaspora Jews Still Cling to Their Bubble - Algemeiner [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2021]
- In Family Man 2, three aspects that remind us of Tamil rebels - The Indian Express [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2021]
- INEC asked to okay Diaspora voting in 2023 - The Nation Newspaper [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2021]
- Why Kenyans in diaspora need to watch out on tax compliance - The Standard [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2021]
- Antisemitism Rages While Diaspora Jews Cling to their Bubble - The Jewish Press - JewishPress.com [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2021]
- There is a Particular Way Young People from the Caribbean Diaspora Speak to Their Parents and Interact with Family: Mandy Marcus on Her Student Short... [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2021]
- Exhibition: The African Diaspora in England - The Voice Online [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2021]
- Abuser Arrested + Pitcher Returns + Art Of The Hawaiian Diaspora - Patch.com [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2021]
- Great Britain's First Black Studies Professor Wants To Unite The Diaspora - Seattle Medium [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2021]
- Queen Mother of African Diaspora in America to Biden: Cut the Check - The Black Wall Street Times [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2021]
- For the diaspora, ties that bind and divide - Hindustan Times [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2021]
- National Museum of African American History and Culture Observes Juneteenth With All-Day Virtual Programming - redlakenationnews.com [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2021]
- Green Ghana: African Diaspora in Ghana to join Beyond the Return to plant trees - MyJoyOnline.com - Myjoyonline [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2021]
- African HE after COVID: The bane and the boon - University World News [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2021]
- Placing queerness at the heart of the Irish emigrant experience - The Irish Times [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2021]
- Local Artist's Work Featured In LV City Hall Exhibit - mvprogress [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2021]
- Group works to rebuild and revitalize urban infrastructure in Brikama Nema in The Gambia - madison365.com [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2021]
- Black Women Disrupt the Web partners with kweliTV on new web series - The Black Wall Street Times [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2021]
- Jamaicans At Home And Abroad Encouraged To Attend The Diaspora Symposium On June 16 & 17 Jamaica Information Service - Government of Jamaica,... [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2021]
- Indian diaspora in US divided over discrimination - Media India Group [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2021]
- Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Supports Young Learners in the Greek Diaspora With StaEllinika's New Mythology Course - From the Archdiocese -... [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2021]
- Gov't Taking Zero Tolerance Approach To Child Abuse Jamaica Information Service - Government of Jamaica, Jamaica Information Service [Last Updated On: June 18th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 18th, 2021]
- Focus on investments, knowledge and skills to facilitate trade - Wamkele Mene to Diaspora - GhanaWeb [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2021]
- Uganda: Covid-19 and HIV/AIDS Why It Is Time Diaspora Scientists Must Return Home to Develop African Herbal Therapies - Black Star News [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2021]
- What To Do This Week: June 29 July 4 - Nob Hill Gazette [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2021]
- Confusion and connection: The yams and sweet potatoes of the African Diaspora - Yahoo Lifestyle [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2021]
- Reflecting on the diaspora's tangible and intangible contributions - University World News [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2021]
- London Design Biennale 2021 Winners: Chile, Venezuela, Pavilion of the African Diaspora, and Israel - ArchDaily [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2021]
- The Korean Diasporas in Mexico and Eurasia - The Diplomat [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2021]
- NIDCOM at two: Beyond expectations | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News Opinion The Guardian Nigeria News Nigeria and World News -... [Last Updated On: July 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 11th, 2021]
- Indian American Diaspora Saddened at death in detention of Stan Swamy The Indian Panorama - The Indian Panorama [Last Updated On: July 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 11th, 2021]
- New exhibition Untitled finally gives a forward-thinking display of diasporic art - The Independent [Last Updated On: July 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 11th, 2021]
- Konstantinos Vlasis, the man responsible for the diaspora, celebrates his birthday with Greek Australians and says, "We want you back" -... [Last Updated On: July 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 11th, 2021]
- Botanicas and the Afro-Latino Diaspora, a Pillar of History and Identity - BELatina [Last Updated On: July 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 11th, 2021]
- Antithesis for the Antipodes: Two political viewpoints showcased in meeting with diaspora - Neos Kosmos [Last Updated On: July 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 11th, 2021]
- Zimbabweans in the diaspora must be allowed to vote and politicians paranoia is preventing it - Daily Maverick [Last Updated On: July 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 11th, 2021]
- Iranian Diaspora Organizes Historic Online Event in Support of Democracy and Justice in Iran - PRNewswire [Last Updated On: July 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 11th, 2021]
- ShemarooMe is all set to revolutionize the way Indian Diaspora is being entertained in the US - PRNewswire [Last Updated On: July 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 11th, 2021]
- MAGA diaspora: We're tracking the 327 most important lobbyists, authors, and consultants in Trump's post-White House influence network - Yahoo News [Last Updated On: July 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 11th, 2021]
- 'Bring intellectual capital from the diaspora to Africa' - University World News [Last Updated On: July 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 11th, 2021]
- The Haitian Diaspora Responds to the Killing of Haiti's President - The New York Times [Last Updated On: July 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 11th, 2021]
- Come home, register to vote - The Herald [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2021]
- EDITORIAL: Beware of property fraud! | The New Times | Rwanda - The New Times [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2021]
- Take the vaccine and avoid added expenses, Hurst tells public servants - Antigua Observer [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2021]
- Greeks abroad support the creation of a Ministry for the Diaspora - Neos Kosmos [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2021]
- The Peoples National Party of Jamaica to Host A Conversation with The Diaspora - South Florida Caribbean News [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2021]
- Diaspora remittances jump to Ksh 190b in first half of 2021 - Kenya Broadcasting Corporation [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2021]
- ASIA/MYANMAR - Demonstrations of the Burmese diaspora around the world: recognition of the Government of national unity is being asked - Agenzia Fides [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2021]
- Herbs and vegetables of the African diaspora grow at Longue Vue, with roots deep in the past - NOLA.com [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2021]
- Fixing relations with the diaspora requires saving the Kotel - The Jerusalem Post [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2021]
- Cuba's Historic Protests, The Role Of Artists And The Diaspora's Solidarity - WLRN [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2021]
- $25,000 Art Prize to Focus on AAPI and Asian Diaspora Artists: We Wont Be Overlooked Again - ARTnews [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2021]
- Diaspora organizations and their humanitarian response in Ukraine - Ukraine - ReliefWeb [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2021]
Comments