Right to Vote
On Friday, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced that Non Resident
Indians (NRIs) would soon be made eligible to vote in elections in the
country.
LISA MONTEIRO captures reactions of NRIs on this decision.
"It is a great idea because we as NRIs are not residents of this state
of Kuwait. We only live here temporarily: It is as if we are just taking
leave from India to work. The banks in India make interest/profit on the
money we deposit or send there. So in a way we are contributing to the
country as that money is definitely used by the government to enhance
their projects.
Moreover, when we come down to Goa, why should we be forced to make a
voting card again? Since we come down for just a short visit, we should
have one ready and waiting for us. Plus we have our own houses and we
pay house tax, so why should we be made to feel like we don't belong to
India? As Gulfies, particularly, we cannot have residence here, no
matter how long we live and work in Kuwait."
Antonio Fernandes, Engineer
Kuwait, past 30 years
"The government will also have to look into the logistics of carrying
out the exercise. We NRIs cannot incur the expenditure and time of
flying for every election to India. Some arrangements will have to be
made, so that the exercise is carried out smoothly and effectively. My
Goan friends and I are overjoyed with this news. We have been
campaigning for this cause for a long time in Cyber space and are eager
to make a positive change in the political scenario by electing people
with a clean record to the assembly and parliament."
Armstrong Vaz, journalist
Qatar, past four years
"I welcome this latest statement of the Prime Minister. It is a great
step towards getting NRI involvement in the affairs of their
state/country. NRI Goans contribute significantly to the Goan economy
but unfortunately are not properly acknowledged by the Goa Government.
For example, The Goa Government Economic Data does not show the
contribution of the NRI's towards the States GDP. Also
this idea can be most beneficial for Goans; as we are one of the few
states in the country that has the highest percentage of NRIs to local
state population."
Arwin Mesquita, Brand Manager
UAE, past five years
"I've been out of India for so many years that T don't know - what the
scene there is like anymore. How is it possible for me to choose a
leader when I am not aware of what is happening in the country? I think
it is best left to the locals of the land to choose a leader because
ultimately they will be living in the country and will have to deal with
the consequences.
The politics in India are so corrupt that it is difficult to comprehend
what's happening. Changes in the government keep taking place every few
months. Since us NRIs are not up-to-date with the activities in India,
an important decision like choosing the next leader shouldn't be left in
our hands. Our interference might only prove to be detrimental to the
country and its people."
Prexedes Gomes, Ground staff (KA)
Kuwait. past 27 years
"It is a good idea to be a part of the process in the interest of
development, planning, social and economical trends of the country. We,
the gulf Goans/Indians are bound to return sooner or later to India as
our abode here is temporary no matter what our financial standing is.
Among the demands put forth at the Goa association in Kuwait, one has
been the right to vote. We keenly follow each and every event and
political happening in Goa and India as a whole."
Gasper Almeida, Marketting Head
Kuwait, past 27 years
"I feel, even though we do not live in India we are still people of the
land. We contribute a considerable amount to the growth of the country
by sending money home and buying land, houses, etc. It is also where we
possibly see ourselves resettling in the future. In view of this we
should be given the right to choose a candidate for the best possible
future of India."
Amanda Mazarello, Special educator
Sydney, Australia, past one year
"This has been the demand of NRI's to every Govt delegation that came
overseas. Many a times during the election time, the politician for
example in Goa influence the voter just around the time of election.
But this will not happen in case of NRI's. Most Goans atleast based in
the Gulf keep an update of the political developments in Goa, and the
conduct of the ministers and MLA's. We, the Gulf Goans learn our
ministers through the works and not through their election bhaxons.
Hence, the NRI will vote for a better candidate, as he will not be
infleunced by their last minute empty promises and last minute bribes.
Although this little percentage of votes may not change much but atleast
it can change the fate of one or two candidates. Morevoer, the NRIs
contribute to the national economy and they should be given a right to
have a say in the govt formation also - which through this right of voting."
GR Crasto, Chairman
Bahrain Goans Football League
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First published in the Gomantak Times, Goa - Jan 11, 2010
