Malappuram: Even 78 years after independence, expatriates who strengthen Kerala’s economy remain largely absent from the democratic process. However, with the Election Commission signalling that more expatriates will be included in this electoral cycle, hopes are rising for the introduction of proxy voting.

According to the 2023 Kerala Migration Survey, around 22 lakh Keralites live abroad, while another 30 lakh reside in various Indian states. Despite this, only 2,087 expatriates are currently registered in the state's voter rolls.

Kerala has a total of 2.83 crore voters (draft voters’ list for local body elections). While over 50 lakh voters remain outside the state, meaning citizens capable of influencing results in many constituencies are out of the voting scene.

While some domestic migrants manage to return and vote in person, this is impossible for those living overseas. Thousands of expatriates have not voted in Kerala for 30 to 40 years. The Election Commission is now considering a provision for proxy voting in the 2026 Assembly elections, allowing a designated person at home to vote on behalf of an expatriate.

The Commission has already relaxed some rules to ease expatriate voter enrolment. For instance, those who are already on the rolls and apply for expatriate status will not be removed for missing future hearings. However, authorities admit that it is unrealistic to expect expatriates to travel back home solely to vote.

"Expatriates can still vote only if physically present in the state. Authorities have repeatedly promised various facilities, including voting at embassies, but little has materialised. This remains an issue the central government must address," said TP Dileep, Kerala Pravasi Sangham State Committee Member.

The Election Commission’s proxy voting proposal came following the Supreme Court’s directions in response to expatriates’ pleas. Although the Election Commission is reportedly considering the implementation of proxy voting, doubts persist over whether the move is a genuine reform or merely a tactic to avoid protests.

“The right to proxy voting must be granted,” said Haneefa Moonniyur Haneefa Moonniyur, State President, Pravasi League.