With just two days remaining for the commencement of the second phase of India’s national elections, a significant wave of Indian expatriates has made the journey from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) back to their homeland to participate in the democratic process. Reports suggest that approximately 30,000 individuals from the southern Indian state of Kerala have flown in from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to exercise their voting rights.
The upcoming Indian national election stands as the largest-ever democratic exercise in human history, with an astounding 960 million eligible voters set to determine the course of their nation’s future.
In a bid to rally support ahead of the second phase of voting scheduled for April 26, several politicians including Shafi Parambil and PMA Salam visited the UAE, engaging with the expatriate community. Social groups such as INCAS Kozhikode and KMCC Kozhikode facilitated the travel of hundreds by purchasing seats on flights bound for Kerala, providing discounted tickets to those who may have otherwise been unable to afford the journey.
Speaking passionately about the significance of this electoral process, Dubai-based entrepreneur Noushad Thikodi, also the election committee chairman of a political party in India, emphasized the importance of voting as a fundamental right. He stressed that the outcome of these elections would shape the destiny of the nation and encouraged all eligible individuals to participate actively.
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Anura Mathai, a resident of the UAE, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the deep-rooted connection and political awareness among expatriate Indians, who remain engaged with the pulse of their homeland despite residing abroad.
Highlighting the logistical efforts behind this mass mobilization, travel agents in Dubai reported a surge in group bookings for travel to India, with individuals prioritizing their civic duty above all else. Notably, first-time voter Fazal, hailing from the Indian state of Karnataka, expressed his commitment to contributing to the democratic process by traveling to India specifically to cast his vote.
Despite the significant expatriate population residing outside India, the absence of provisions for overseas voting necessitates the physical return of citizens to their respective constituencies to participate in elections, presenting a logistical challenge for many. Efforts in the past to enable non-resident Indians (NRIs) to vote remotely, including a legal petition by UAE-based businessman Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, have faced obstacles, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding the voting rights of expatriate Indians.
As the second phase of voting approaches, the influx of expatriates from the UAE underscores the enduring commitment of the Indian diaspora to their democratic responsibilities, reaffirming the vibrancy of India’s electoral process on a global scale.
