Election Commission Probes Foreign Nationals Voting in Tamil Nadu

The Election Commission of India has started an investigation into claims that foreign nationals voted in the recent Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. Reports have been requested from officials in two cities and five districts to understand how these individuals were able to vote despite a state-wide effort to update voter lists.

This probe began after several foreign nationals of Indian origin were arrested in Chennai and Madurai for allegedly casting votes illegally. Immigration officials shared this information with the Election Commission, leading to further inquiries.

Officials are looking into why foreigners’ names appeared on the voter rolls even after a process meant to remove ineligible voters, such as those who had died or gained citizenship elsewhere. Around 25 foreign nationals from countries like Sri Lanka, the UK, and Canada have been detained for questioning.

Police have filed charges against those arrested under laws related to election fraud and false declarations. Investigators are also examining whether some foreigners voted before leaving the country.

A provision in the voter update process allows any adult family member to sign on behalf of another, which may have been misused. officials say it’s still unclear how this happened and are continuing their investigation. The Election Commission will decide if these fraudulent votes affected election results.