Companion@360 → 7 Month programme to sharpen your writing skills → REGISTER NOW
Extending postal ballot to senior citizens.
The EC notified amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules on June 19, extending the postal ballot facility — that so far was available only for armed forces personnel and government servants posted abroad — to those above 65 years and anyone suffering from COVID-19.
The Representation of the People Act, 1951 provides for any person to be given the postal facility by the ECI in consultation with the government.
The ECI had recommended that three categories of electors – those 80 years and above, persons with disabilities, and essential services workers – be given the postal ballot facility.
With the country in lockdown since March 25 and those above 65 years categorised as vulnerable in case of COVID-19 infection, the ECI decided to extend the postal ballot facility to them and those in home or institutional quarantine due to the virus.
Read Also Mudra Yojana
However, It would jeopardise the democratic process of free and fair elections and would lead to malpractices and foul play by those parties which are in power and have resources.
With the postal ballot, there was a greater chance of disclosure of voter’s preference to the public at large, which violated the fundamental premise of right to secrecy of vote.
The migrant workers and non-resident Indians are quasi disenfranchised section, fo whom their Ned to put in a mechanism to exercise their franchise.