NRIs can't vote online in Lok Sabha polls, Election Commission clarifies

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Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Feb 21 2019 | 9:20 PM IST

The Election Commission on Thursday said NRI voters have not been extended right to cast their votes online in the Lok Sabha elections due this summer.

Responding to news reports which said NRI voters can cast votes online in the upcoming polls, a Commission spokesperson said no such facility has been extended.

"If it happens, it needs amendment to the Representation of the People Act. No such amendment has taken place," the spokesperson said.

As of now, overseas Indians have to register as voter, come to India, go to their constituency with the original passport issued to them when they had gone abroad and cast vote.

According to estimates of the Ministry of External Affairs, there are about 3.10 crore NRIs living in different countries across the world.

An expert committee of the Election Commission had said no to e-voting for NRIs but approved proxy voting.

A bill to extend proxy voting rights to NRIs was passed in Lok Sabha recently but is pending in Rajya Sabha.

It is set to lapse on the dissolution of the present Lok Sabha.

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First Published: Feb 21 2019 | 9:20 PM IST

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