NEW DELHI: The Election Commission (EC) has introduced Remote Electronic Voting Machine (RVM) to cast votes for those who have migrated to other states or districts without going to their own constituency. A prototype of the machine has been developed that allows voting in 72 constituencies from booths where voters live. The existing voting machine was modified for this purpose.

The EC called a meeting of political parties on January 16 to introduce remote voting using the new machine. The parties were also asked to submit their opinion in writing before December 31.

The remote voting method is being revised based on the finding that people who have migrated to other places for reasons such as education, employment and marriage are reluctant to vote.

Eight national parties and 57 state parties have been invited by the Election Commission. Technical experts will also attend to clear doubts.

The turnout in the 2019 general elections was 67.4 percent. More than 30 crore voters did not exercise their right to vote.

Challenges:

• Even after obtaining the consent of political parties, the amendment of the law is necessary to implement the reform.
• New definition for migrants in other states and other districts.
• Avoiding impersonation
• Ensuring secrecy of voting
• Availability of polling agents
• Regulation of remote polling booths, appointment of polling officers and locating of booths