RGICS Issue Brief: Proxy Voting In India

The Indian government proposes allowing Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to vote via proxy, a provision previously available only to military personnel. While this could increase NRI participation, it raises concerns about fairness, as millions of internal migrants within India, who also face voting difficulties, are not given the same right. The process lacks clarity on proxy selection, voter secrecy, and safeguards against electoral fraud. States with large NRI populations, such as Kerala, Punjab, and Gujarat, could see election outcomes influenced by this reform. However, with only a small percentage of NRIs currently registered as voters, the immediate impact may be limited.

Under current law, NRIs must be physically present in India to vote, as per amendments to the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1950. The proposed change would allow them to appoint a proxy before each election. While this move aims to boost NRI voting rates, critics argue it overlooks internal migrants who lack access to voting due to work-related migration. Additionally, concerns about proxy voting include risks of vote-buying, lack of transparency, and security loopholes that could undermine electoral integrity. A clear legal framework and strong safeguards are needed to prevent misuse.

NRIs from states like Kerala, Punjab, and Gujarat may influence electoral outcomes, but with low voter registration, the immediate effect will be minor. However, granting proxy voting to internal migrants could significantly impact elections in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which have high migration rates.

Proxy voting for NRIs can enhance voter participation but must be carefully implemented to prevent fraud and manipulation. The government should also consider voting rights for internal migrants to ensure electoral fairness and broader democratic inclusion.

Keywords:  Proxy Voting, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Electoral Process, Representation of the People Act (RPA), Overseas Electors, Internal Migrants, Election Commission of India (ECI), Voting Rights, Political Participation, Diaspora Influence