Thiruvananthapuram, June 17, 2025 – In a groundbreaking move, Kerala has become the first Indian state to trial a secure e-postal ballot system for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in the 2026 assembly elections. This pilot program, limited to registered NRI voters from the UAE, USA, and Singapore, marks a significant step toward enabling the Indian diaspora to participate in India’s democratic process without the need to travel to their home constituencies.

A Historic Step for NRI Voting Rights

The Election Commission of India (ECI), in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), has approved the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) for this pilot, addressing long-standing demands from NRIs for remote voting options. Kerala, with approximately 89,839 registered NRI voters—74.9% of India’s total overseas electorate—has been chosen for this initiative due to its significant diaspora population, particularly in the UAE, USA, and Singapore.

The ETPBS allows NRIs to receive ballots electronically, mark their votes, and return them via secure channels, ensuring both accessibility and security. This pilot aims to test the feasibility of remote voting for NRIs, potentially paving the way for nationwide implementation in future elections.

How the E-Ballot System Works

Under the pilot program, eligible NRI voters from the UAE, USA, and Singapore must follow these steps to participate in the 2026 Kerala assembly elections:

1. Registration: NRIs must be registered as overseas voters by submitting Form 6A through the ECI’s website (eci.gov.in) or Indian embassies in their respective countries. Required documents include a valid Indian passport and proof of residence.
2. Application: Voters must inform the Returning Officer (RO) of their intent to use the e-postal ballot at least five days after the election notification.
3. Ballot Delivery: The RO will send the ballot electronically via a secure government portal with two-layer security, including OTP and PIN verification, to prevent duplication.
4. Voting and Return: NRIs will download and mark their ballots, then return them with an attested declaration through Indian embassies or designated postal services, ensuring constituency-wise segregation.

The system, currently used for service voters like armed forces personnel, has been adapted to ensure secrecy and security for NRI voters.

Why Kerala, UAE, USA, and Singapore?

Kerala’s selection as the pilot state reflects its large NRI population and high voter registration rates. The UAE, USA, and Singapore were chosen for the trial due to their significant Indian diaspora communities and the logistical feasibility of coordinating with Indian missions in these countries. The MEA has agreed to facilitate the process, provided the ECI arranges adequate manpower at embassies to handle attestation and ballot collection.

This initiative follows years of advocacy by NRIs, who have cited the high cost and logistical challenges of traveling to India to vote. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, over 22,000 NRIs traveled to Kerala to cast their ballots, highlighting the demand for remote voting options.

Challenges and Future Prospects

While the ETPBS pilot is a significant advancement, challenges remain, including voter identity verification and logistical coordination with Indian missions abroad. The MEA previously raised concerns about attestation in non-democratic countries, which is why the pilot excludes Gulf nations beyond the UAE for now.

The ECI has ruled out online voting due to concerns over secrecy and security, and voting at Indian missions was deemed unfeasible due to resource constraints. If successful, this pilot could expand to other states and countries, potentially revolutionizing NRI participation in Indian elections.

How NRIs Can Prepare

Eligible NRIs from the UAE, USA, and Singapore are encouraged to register as overseas voters before the 2026 elections. Visit eci.gov.in to complete Form 6A and ensure your name is on the electoral roll of your Kerala constituency. For updates on the pilot program, check with Indian embassies or consulates in your country.

A Milestone for Indian Democracy

The e-ballot pilot for the 2026 Kerala assembly elections is a historic step toward inclusive democracy, empowering NRIs to exercise their voting rights without geographical barriers. With Kerala leading the way, this initiative could redefine how the Indian diaspora engages with the nation’s electoral process.

For more updates on NRI voting rights and other diaspora news, visit www.nriglobe.com.