Expat Indians can now vote from abroad

Non-Resident Indians can now cast their votes in the upcoming assembly polls in India this month.

The assurance was given by the Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Sunday, while addressing the annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas diaspora meet in Jaipur.

"Pursuant to the law that was enacted to enable Non-Resident Indians to vote in our national elections, the government has issued notifications for registration of overseas electors under the Representation of People Act, 1950," Singh was quoted as saying by 'Times of India'.

NRIs are required to register themselves at the embassies in their respective countries of residence to be eligible to cast their votes in the upcoming assembly polls in five states between January and March.

Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi also confirmed that Indian nationals residing abroad can exercise their franchise in India.

"Our objective is to raise the level of engagement to go beyond mere investment related issues and address a broader agenda," Ravi added.

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