Register for BPP elections

Following the Bombay High Court order granting universal adult franchise for directly electing trustees of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP), the Association for Revival of Zoroastrianism (ARZ) and Association for Inter Married Zoroastrians (AIMZ) have, in a press note, urged all members of the community aged 18 years and above, whether inter-married or not, to register and vote at the October 2007 elections.

To be able to elect the right candidates (whose names will be announced later), it is essential for voters to register themselves with the BPP at least 60 days prior to October 1, i.e. before July 31, 2007. The ARZ and AIMZ have explained the procedure: a prescribed form has to be filled in and presented along with two passport size photographs. The name must be written clearly on the reverse of the photographs which should be submitted along with the form and a fee of Rs 10 to the BPP on any working day (Monday to Friday) between 10.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. Forms may also be sent to the ARZ or AIMZ for onward dispatch to the BPP. The registration certificate will be issued a few days later by the BPP on the applicant signing in their presence. This certificate should be preserved carefully as it will be required for voting.

Inter-married Parsi ladies will have to submit, in addition to the registration form, a duly notarized affidavit on Rs 100 stamp paper. For the format of the affidavit and any further information or clarification please contact Kerssie or Vispy Wadia of ARZ at 22613288, 22626374 or arzmumbai@yahoo.com

The Adult Franchise for Progress (AFP) group also offers around the clock SMS service on 9224233736/9224233746 "to find out your status of registration as a voter,” states their press release.

Text message your full name and address and an AFP volunteer will inform you if you are registered.

"If you are not enrolled, AFP shall send you an application form along with a letter of authority and collect the same after it has been fully filled up by you along with two recent passport size photos and Rs 10 each as registration fees charged by the BPP.

The AFP requests readers to "avoid telephoning on these numbers as it causes administrative inconvenience.”