Mallapuram (Kerala): As the April 9 Kerala Assembly polls approach, anxiety is growing among Gulf-based Keralite voters who are unsure if they will be able to return home to cast their votes this time.
The concern is driven mainly by the ongoing tensions in West Asia involving Iran and Israel, US allies, which have severely disrupted air travel.
Thousands of flights have been cancelled or delayed, and several countries have partially or fully closed their airspace, affecting major Gulf aviation hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.
The situation is exacerbated by thousands of flight cancellations and skyrocketing ticket prices. Major aviation hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha are grappling with partial airspace closures, impacting expatriate voters. Organizations like the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC), linked to the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), have historically facilitated ‘vote flights,’ allowing expatriates to participate in elections. However, current circumstances pose unprecedented challenges.
IUML leader Sayyid Munavvar Ali Shihab Thangal highlighted these concerns, emphasizing the escalating difficulties for expatriates. While chartered flights and other measures are being considered, only a small number of voters are likely to benefit, intensifying calls for creating an overseas voting system for Indian expatriates.
