Transsexuals can now vote if endorsed by 'guru'

Transsexual persons can now enroll as voters in a hassle-free manner, thanks to the modified guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India.

The ECI has for the first time ‘recognized’ transsexuals and modified the Form of Oath or Affirmation for the applicants by incorporating the words ‘chela’ (disciple) and ‘guru’ (teacher) at relevant places "in order to facilitate registration of transsexuals in the electoral rolls".

"Transsexuals may not be accepted in some families and in such cases the eligible person may be deprived of voting right due to the current enrollment process where proof of age and proof of residence are required to be submitted.With this modification, even a teacher could endorse a transsexual's case for registration as a voter," a senior official here said.

A communication to this effect was issued to chief electoral officers of the states, which was in turn circulated to the district collectors and district election officers.In the heading of the Form of Oath or Affirmation for the first-time applicants in the 18-25 age group, 'guru' has been added to parents while 'chela' has been incorporated after son/daughter.

The form could be signed either by parents or 'guru' of the transsexuals.

PTI