Expat voter registration should require either a passport or NID, not both: Tasnim Jara

Tasnim Jara, senior joint secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has called for reforms in the postal voting registration process for expatriates, urging that either a passport or a National ID (NID) be made sufficient for voter registration. Currently, both documents are mandatory.

Speaking about the recently launched registration app, Jara said it is user-friendly but highlighted several implementation limitations.

She also criticized the artificial five-day registration window, saying it complicates participation for expatriates and suggested that registration should be open continuously during the entire period from 19 November to 23 December.

Jara outlined three key reforms for easing expatriate voting: Allow registration throughout the period without a five-day limit, provide a 24/7 helpline with clear complaint resolution, and enable registration using either a passport or NID.

She urged a social media monitoring cell and platform collaboration to curb election misinformation, especially affecting women and minorities.

Jara stressed a multi-channel reporting system enabling citizens to report misinformation via phone, email, or other channels to ensure timely action and protect candidates' reputations.