Record NRI Turnout for Kerala, India Elections: Over 22,000 Arrive to Vote

Key Takeaways:

• Over 22,000 NRIs, mainly from Gulf nations, have arrived in Kerala for the Lok Sabha elections.
• Kerala has 89,839 registered NRI voters, with special flights arranged to transport them for voting.
• Political campaigns are reaching out to NRI voters, with significant participation in Vatakara and other constituencies.

Who is flying to Kerala for the Lok Sabha elections?

As Kerala gears up for the high-stakes Lok Sabha elections, an impressive wave of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) is making its way home. Specifically targeting the single-phase elections scheduled for Friday, over 22,000 NRI voters, primarily from Gulf nations, have already touched down in Kerala over the past two days. This influx highlights the crucial role of NRI voters in the state’s political landscape, particularly given that Kerala boasts a significant number of 89,839 registered NRI voters.

How many NRI voters are registered in Kerala?

Kerala, with its deep-rooted international connections, has always been a focal point of electoral attention. The final list of voters, as disclosed by the office of the state’s Chief Electoral Officer, tallies a total of 89,839 NRI voters. This considerable figure underpins the significant impact these voters could have on the election results, especially in tightly contested seats.

What arrangements have been made for NRI voters?

Recognizing the logistical challenges faced by overseas voters, expat organizations linked with Kerala’s key political factions have stepped in to facilitate the process. About 12 chartered flights were arranged to help transport NRI voters back to Kerala, with the last of these flights departing from the UAE on Thursday. These organizations have been proactive in negotiating with travel agencies to secure these flights at reasonable rates, ensuring voters can participate without undue financial burden. However, it’s essential to highlight that the voters are responsible for covering their airfare costs.

How is the political campaign engaging NRI voters?

In an interesting twist to usual on-the-ground campaigning, Shafi Parambil, the UDF candidate from Vatakara, extended his campaign efforts to the UAE. Understanding the pivotal role of NRI voters, Shafi made a heartfelt appeal: “If they (voters) don’t have many financial liabilities, I would request them to come over to cast their vote. I would also request the families going to meet their kin settled abroad during vacations to postpone the trip after April 26 so that they can be here for voting.”

This outreach is part of a broader strategy employed by candidates to engage with the diaspora, recognizing their influence and securing their votes for critical constituencies like Vatakara.

Which constituencies are seeing significant NRI participation?

Vatakara, known for its high number of voters settled abroad, is witnessing one of the most keenly watched contests. Here, Shafi Parambil is up against CPI(M)’s KK Shailaja in a battle where every vote matters. Moreover, other districts such as Kannur, Kozhikode, Palakkad, and Wayanad are also experiencing a substantial turnout of NRI voters flying in to cast their votes.

Why is the 2023 Kerala Lok Sabha election significant for NRI voters?

This election marks a unique instance in Kerala’s political history, where two sitting MLAs are contesting against each other in the Lok Sabha elections — a rare occurrence that has heightened the electoral battle. Shailaja, the incumbent MLA from Mattanur, and Shafi, the Palakkad MLA, are both vying for the chance to represent their constituencies at the national level.

Final Thoughts

The role of NRI voters in Kerala’s Lok Sabha elections is more prominent than ever, demonstrating the global nature of local governance and the interconnectedness of Kerala’s population with the world. As the numbers continue to climb and more flights land in Kerala, the influence of these global citizens is poised to shape the future of the region’s political landscape.

For further details on voting rights and registration processes for NRIs, interested individuals can visit the official Chief Electoral Officer of Kerala website. Here, voters residing abroad can find comprehensive information and resources to ensure their active participation in Kerala’s democratic processes.

Learn Today:

Glossary or Definitions

1. Non-Resident Indian (NRI):
   • Definition: An Indian citizen who resides outside India for an extended period, typically for employment, business, education, or any other reason that requires them to stay abroad.
   • Context: NRIs play a significant role in Indian elections, with special provisions made for their participation in the democratic process, as seen in Kerala’s Lok Sabha elections.
2. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO):
   • Definition: A designated official responsible for overseeing electoral processes within a specific state or region, ensuring the conduct of fair and transparent elections according to legal requirements.
   • Context: The CEO of Kerala plays a crucial role in managing electoral activities, including voter registrations and facilitating the participation of NRI voters in the Lok Sabha elections.
3. Chartered Flights:
   • Definition: Flights specially arranged and operated for a specific group or purpose, often chartered by organizations, companies, or groups of individuals for private use.
   • Context: In the context of NRI voters returning to Kerala for elections, chartered flights were organized to facilitate their travel, ensuring they could participate in the electoral process.
4. Diaspora:
   • Definition: Refers to a community of people who live outside their native country but maintain a cultural, social, and often political connection with their country of origin.
   • Context: Political campaigns engaging NRI voters demonstrate the recognition of the diaspora’s influence on the electoral outcomes, emphasizing the importance of their participation in shaping political decisions.
5. Constituency:
   • Definition: A specific area or region that is represented by an elected official in a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress.
   • Context: Constituencies with significant NRI participation, like Vatakara and other districts in Kerala, are witnessing focused campaign efforts to secure the support of these voters for the Lok Sabha elections.

This Article In A Nutshell:

As Kerala heads into Lok Sabha elections, over 22,000 NRIs are flying in, with 89,839 registered voters. Chartered flights from the Gulf ease their return. In Vatakara, campaigns reach the UAE. The showdown between sitting MLAs adds intensity. NRIs are key players in shaping Kerala’s political destiny.
— By VisaVerge.com

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