EC to Conduct Intensive Electoral Roll Review in Five States by Year-End

New Delhi, June 25 (PTI) — Following an intensive review of electoral rolls in Bihar, the Election Commission is preparing to conduct a similar examination by the end of this year in five states set for elections in 2026.

Ultimately, the poll authority plans to roll out special intensive revisions nationwide as part of its constitutional duty to uphold the integrity of the electoral rolls.

During this comprehensive review, election officials will execute house-to-house verifications to guarantee the accuracy of the voter lists.

The legislative assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal are nearing the end of their terms in May-June next year, prompting officials to initiate an intensive review in these states by year’s end.

However, with assembly elections scheduled in Bihar later this year, the Election Commission opted to conduct a special intensive revision there immediately.

As opposition parties allege that the EC tampered with voter data to favor the BJP, the poll body has instituted additional measures during the intensive revision to ensure illegal migrants are excluded from the voters' list.

One such measure is the introduction of a supplementary 'declaration form' for certain applicants aiming to register as electors or those relocating from outside the state. Applicants must assert that they were born in India before July 1, 1987, and provide documentation proving their date of birth and/or place of birth.

An option on the declaration form includes a statement that the applicant was born in India between July 1, 1987, and December 2, 2004.

They are also required to present documents verifying the date and place of birth of their parents.

The last comprehensive revision for Bihar was executed in 2003.

According to the EC, various factors such as rapid urbanization, frequent migrations, newly eligible young voters, unreported deaths, and the addition of illegal foreign immigrants necessitated this revision to maintain the integrity and accuracy of the electoral rolls.

Booth-level officers will carry out a house-to-house survey for verifications during the intensive revision process.

Throughout the special revision process, the Election Commission will strictly adhere to the constitutional and legal criteria governing voter registration eligibility and registration disqualifications, as outlined in Article 326 of the Constitution and Section 16 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, respectively, the poll authority stated.

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