Expat Keralites may skip voting amid flight shortages

A crucial electoral dynamic in Kerala’s Assembly elections is facing an unexpected disruption this year, as thousands of expatriate voters from the Gulf are likely to stay back due to flight shortages, soaring ticket prices and uncertainty triggered by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

- AM Abdussalam

Despite a record number of overseas voters registered in the state, the prospect of their participation on polling day, 9 April, has dimmed considerably.

With more than 234,000 Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) on the electoral rolls, their absence could significantly alter outcomes, particularly in tightly contested constituencies across the Malabar region.