Chief Election Commissioner Calls for Tech-Driven Methods to Enable Overseas Indian Voters in Polls
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09-06-2023: Rajiv Kumar, the chief election commissioner, emphasized the importance of using technology-driven techniques, such the e-postal ballot, to allow eligible Indian citizens living abroad to participate in elections. Speaking to Indian Foreign Service officer-trainees on the topic of “India-the Mother of Democracies and the Role of ECI,” Kumar emphasized the importance of timely and trustworthy electoral outcomes in gaining recognition for India’s all-encompassing national power on a global scale. He highlighted the difficulties encountered by organizations responsible for managing elections, in particular the growing danger posed by fake news and deep fakes on social media, which can skew electoral narratives.
Regarding overseas voting, Kumar stated that India, as the world’s fifth-largest economy, should leverage technology-driven methodologies like the electronically transmitted postal ballot system (ETBPS) to facilitate the participation of eligible overseas Indian voters. The Election Commission’s proposal to implement ETBPS for overseas voters is currently being discussed with the Ministry of External Affairs to address logistical challenges. As of January 1, there were over 1.15 lakh overseas electors registered.
Kumar also highlighted that the EC’s ability to consistently deliver credible electoral outcomes demonstrates the strength and resilience of India’s democratic institutions, particularly in the face of global concerns about democratic recession. He provided an overview of the complexity and sophistication involved in conducting elections in the world’s largest democracy. With more than 10 lakh polling stations and over one crore polling officials, India’s elections are known for their inclusivity, accessibility, participation, and technology-driven approach. The elections are often hailed as the world’s largest peacetime mobilization, characterized by six sigma precision in terms of the movement of personnel and resources.
