Thousands of Indian expats from the UAE showcased their dedication to democracy by participating in the world’s largest democratic election, held every five years in India. Among them were brothers Mohammed Rifad Thayyil, 19, and Abdul Rahoof Thayyil, 20, whose father used to fly back home to vote in previous elections. Despite their father’s absence this time due to work commitments, the brothers were determined to exercise their voting rights for the first time.
Rifad, a student preparing for his higher studies entrance exam, flew back to India from Sharjah to ensure he could vote in his constituency. He joined his brother, who is a medical student and UAE resident, to cast their votes as Non Resident Indians are required to be physically present in their registered constituencies to vote.
Reflecting on the experience, Rifad shared, “Every Indian has the right to choose his representative. I feel proud to be a part of this democratic process and will continue to vote in the future.” The brothers were among many young expats from the UAE who traveled to India to participate in the election, proudly displaying photos with their inked fingers after voting.
Sreerag Shine, a recent high school graduate from GEMS Our Own Sharjah, also cast his vote with his mother, emphasizing the importance of every Indian citizen exercising their right to vote. Another first-time voter, Sarang Hariram, flew home with his family to participate in the election, highlighting the significance of choosing representatives who will bring development to the country.
Dr. Sandeep Thomas and Sivakumar Hariharan, friends who voted together, noted the increased participation of the younger generation in the electoral process, signaling a positive sign for the country’s future. Dr. Thomas emphasized the importance of voting as the common man’s opportunity to select the government for the next term.
The expat community in the UAE organized “vote flights” for members to travel back to India in groups to cast their votes. Over 20,000 overseas Keralites returned for the election, with a significant number hailing from Kerala. Community groups like the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC) and the Indian Cultural and Arts Society (INCAS) arranged special flights for their members, with some even creating music albums related to their voting journey.
Nisar Thalangara, president of the Sharjah Indian Association, led by example by flying home with his family and friends to vote. He advocated for the implementation of online voting facilities for expatriates, a cause he has been championing for years. Abdul Qadir Theruvath, a long-term UAE resident, echoed the sentiment, calling for NRIs to have the right to vote from their place of residence.
The participation of Indian expats from the UAE in the Indian elections reflects their commitment to democracy and their desire to have a voice in shaping the future of their home country. As they cast their votes and engage in the democratic process, they demonstrate the importance of civic duty and the power of individual voices in a vibrant democracy.