Advertisement
In a significant move towards fostering inclusivity and accessibility in the electoral process, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced plans to introduce door-to-door voting services for senior citizens and differently-abled individuals during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.Scheduled across seven phases from April 19 to June 1, the elections are expected to witness a massive turnout of approximately 97 crore voters nationwide, including over 88.4 lakh differently-abled individuals and more than 2.18 lakh centenarians.
The initiative by the ECI is particularly significant for the more vulnerable segments of society. In Delhi alone, the final electoral roll revealed 2,63,771 voters aged 80 and above, along with 71,794 differently-abled voters spread across the seven Lok Sabha constituencies. To ensure their participation, these voters in Delhi have been granted the option to cast their votes through postal ballots from the comfort of their homes.
This marks the first time that eligible voters will have the option to vote through postal ballots in Lok Sabha elections. The decision follows a recommendation by the Election Commission in October 2019, leading to amendments in the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961. Initially introduced for the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, the postal ballot facility was utilized by approximately 3,000 individuals.
Amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in June 2020, the rules were further amended to expand the eligibility criteria for postal ballots. The age bracket was extended from “80 years and above” to “85 years and above.” As a result, officials are expected to release the updated number of eligible voters for this convenient facility in Delhi soon.
The ECI’s efforts to facilitate voting for elderly and differently-abled voters not only reflect a commitment to inclusivity but also seek to strengthen the democratic process. By providing door-to-door services and the option for postal ballots, the Commission aims to ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their fundamental right to vote without facing barriers.
