Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: Sandip Jacques, IAS, Electoral Roll Observer appointed by the Election Commission of India, visited South Goa district on Tuesday in connection with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls and reviewed the progress of the exercise.
The Roll Observer held a review meeting related to the SIR along with South Goa Collector Egna Cletus, officials including Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs/AROs), and representatives of recognised political parties.
During the meeting, Jacques interacted with party representatives and took note of grievances raised by them regarding the revision process.
After the meeting, Jacques expressed satisfaction with the manner in which the SIR process is being carried out in the district. He assured that all issues and concerns raised by political parties would be placed before the competent authorities.
He also clarified that the revision of electoral rolls is a continuous process and that voters whose names are deleted during the exercise would be given an opportunity to get their names re-included after providing necessary clarifications and documents.
During the interaction, Congress leaders raised concerns over a large number of forms being submitted by Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
They questioned whether genuine voters could be at risk of having their names deleted and warned that if elections are announced immediately after such deletions, affected voters could be deprived of their right to vote.
The Electoral Roll Observer assured that due process would be followed and that safeguards are in place to ensure that no eligible voter is disenfranchised during the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls.
