Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jan 14: The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Goa has issued a public notice urging Goans holding Portuguese or any other foreign nationality to immediately apply for deletion of their names from the draft electoral roll.

The notice has been issued as part of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls 2026. Such individuals have been asked to submit Form-7 without delay, with January 15, 2026 fixed as the last date for filing claims and objections. The notice also carries a warning of penal action in cases of false declaration.

Citing legal provisions, the CEO said that under Section 16(1)(a) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, a person who is not a citizen of India is disqualified from being registered in the electoral roll. It further stated that as per Section 31 of the Act, making a false declaration in connection with the preparation, revision or correction of electoral rolls is punishable with imprisonment for a term that may extend up to one year, or with fine, or with both.

Citizens have been advised to contact their respective Booth Level Officers for guidance or call the toll-free helpline number 1950 for assistance.

The CEO clarified that the objective of the exercise is to ensure a transparent and error-free electoral roll ahead of the revision process.