The Election Commission of India (ECI) is likely to launch a nationwide electoral roll revision this year, potentially named the Systematic and Integrated Revision (SIR), to ensure the integrity of voter lists and promote free and fair elections. This initiative follows concerns about inaccuracies in voter lists, including the inclusion of ineligible voters and illegal immigrants.
The ECI has already begun a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar, using the 2003 electoral roll as a base draft. This revision requires voters not listed in the 2003 roll to provide proof of their place of birth and a self-declaration of Indian citizenship. Voters born before July 1, 1987, must furnish documents showing their date and/or place of birth on the enumeration form. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will conduct house-to-house surveys to verify voter details and collect necessary forms and documents. Political parties will also be involved through Booth Level Agents (BLAs), who can raise objections or appeal decisions to ensure transparency.
The ECI's decision to undertake this comprehensive revision stems from several factors, including rapid urbanization, frequent migration, and the inclusion of illegal immigrants in electoral rolls. These factors have necessitated a thorough revision to maintain error-free electoral rolls and uphold the constitutional mandate of ensuring that only eligible Indian citizens can vote, as enshrined in Article 326 of the Constitution.
The revision process aims to address long-standing concerns about the accuracy of voter lists, particularly the inclusion of ineligible individuals. The ECI has emphasized its commitment to a credible electoral process, addressing concerns raised by opposition parties about the sanctity of voter lists. The ECI also aims to enhance transparency and fairness throughout the process.
The ECI has outlined a step-by-step process for the SIR, involving Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) who will scrutinize submissions, conduct field inquiries if eligibility is doubted, and issue formal orders on inclusion or exclusion. The final roll will be published post-verification, with a qualifying date of July 1, 2025. The ECI plans to extend the SIR across India, with schedules for other states to be announced later. The ECI has assured that genuine voters, especially vulnerable groups like the elderly and disabled, will face minimal disruption, with volunteers assisting where needed.
The ECI's initiative aligns with Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. The goal is to ensure that all eligible citizens are included in the Electoral Roll (ER), enabling them to exercise their franchise, while preventing ineligible voters from being included. The ECI encourages active participation from political parties in the revision process.
The previous intensive revision in Bihar was conducted in 2003. The current revision is deemed necessary due to factors like rapid urbanization, migration, new eligible voters, unreported deaths, and the inclusion of foreign illegal immigrants. The ECI will upload the documents used by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) to determine eligibility on ECINET to ensure complete transparency. Strict action will be taken against Presiding Officers and Polling Officers if mock poll data is not erased from EVMs or VVPAT slips from the mock poll are not removed.
