The upcoming Indian election has been deemed the biggest in history, with over 900 million eligible voters. However, despite the significant number of Indians living in Canada, it is expected that only a small percentage will participate in the election.
According to data from the Indian High Commission in Ottawa, there are approximately 1.6 million people of Indian origin living in Canada. This makes up about 4% of the total population, making them the largest visible minority group in the country. However, despite their significant presence, it is estimated that only 40,000 of them are registered to vote in the Indian election.
One of the main reasons for this low turnout is the complicated process of registering to vote from abroad. Unlike other countries, India does not have an online voting system for its citizens living abroad. Instead, they must physically go to the nearest Indian mission or consulate to register and cast their vote. This can be a daunting and time-consuming process, especially for those living in remote areas.
Another factor that may contribute to the low participation is the lack of awareness and interest among the Indian diaspora in Canada. Many of them have been living in Canada for several years and have established their lives here. As a result, they may not feel as connected to the political situation in India as those who still have strong ties to their home country.
Furthermore, the Indian government has not made much effort to engage with the Indian community in Canada. Unlike other countries, where political parties actively campaign and reach out to their citizens living abroad, there has been little to no outreach from Indian political parties to the Indian diaspora in Canada.
Some experts also believe that the lack of representation of the Indian community in Canadian politics may play a role in their disinterest in the Indian election. Despite being the largest visible minority group in Canada, there are only a handful of Indian-Canadian politicians in positions of power. This lack of representation may lead to a feeling of disconnection and apathy towards the Indian political system.
In conclusion, while the Indian election is set to be the biggest in history, it is unlikely that a significant number of Indians living in Canada will take part. The complicated registration process, lack of awareness and interest, and minimal engagement from the Indian government and political parties may all contribute to this low turnout. As a result, the Indian diaspora in Canada may continue to feel disconnected from the political situation in their home country.
