Former Tamil Nadu Information Commissioner S. Muthuraj has written to the Election Commission of India (EC) urging it to extend postal ballot facilities to candidates contesting elections.

In his representation, Mr. Muthuraj pointed out that candidates contesting in Parliamentary and Assembly elections were required to be present in their constituencies for campaigning and to monitor polling activities on election day. They also had statutory and practical responsibilities to oversee polling booths and the conduct of elections within their constituencies. However, many candidates contested from constituencies that were geographically distant from the place where they were registered as voters.

Compelled to travel long distances

As a result, they were compelled to travel long distances to cast their vote at their designated polling station and then return to their constituency often involving journeys of hundreds or even thousands of kilometres. “This is practically difficult, and, in many cases, impossible on polling day,” Mr. Muthuraj said.

He said in such situations, candidates were forced to choose between exercising their right to vote and fulfilling their electoral responsibilities. “The inability of candidates to cast their vote leads to inequality in the exercise of democratic rights,” he said.

Mr. Muthuraj suggested that the postal ballot facility be extended to all contesting candidates whose nominations had been accepted by the EC. He proposed that candidates be given the option to either vote through postal ballot or exercise their franchise at their respective polling stations.

Equal voting rights to all candidates

Referring to instances involving prominent leaders who had contested from constituencies far from their registered voting locations, Mr. Muthuraj urged the ECI to amend election rules and procedures to ensure equal voting rights for all candidates.

At present, the postal ballot facility is available to government officials, armed forces personnel, and election duty staff to enable them to vote despite official commitments.

Mr. Muthuraj appealed to the ECI to consider his proposal and take action at the earliest. As a starting point, he suggested extending the facility to candidates contesting in the upcoming Assembly elections in five States, stating that such a move would strengthen democratic principles.