Transsexual persons can now enroll as voters in a hassle-free manner. This follows the modified guidelines issued by the Election Commission to chief electoral officers of the states.

For the first time, the Commission has recognised transsexuals and modified the Form of Oath or Affirmation for the applicants by incorporating the words “chela” meaning disciple and guru or teacher at relevant places. A senior official said in Hyderabad that if Transsexuals are not accepted in some families even a Guru or a teacher can endorse the applicant for registration as a voter. This will facilitate registration of transsexuals in the electoral rolls.

The communication by the Election Commission has been circulated to the district collectors and district election officers for implementation.