Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Nov 30: Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Goel on Sunday announced a significant clean-up of Goa’s electoral database, with nearly 90,000 voter names set to be removed from the draft electoral roll scheduled for publication on December 9. The deletions come after extensive field verification under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

Goel said the names were flagged as voters were “absent,” “shifted,” “dead,” or “duplicate” during door-to-door enumeration. “These 90,000 entries do not meet eligibility criteria and will therefore be deleted from the draft roll,” he added.

In addition, 2.20 lakh voters still face discrepancies, as their parents’ names could not be matched with 2002 SIR records. While these names will be included in the draft roll, the voters will need to prove Indian citizenship. Notices will be issued from December 9, instructing them to submit documentation establishing their parents’ presence in the 2002 SIR or alternative proof requested by the CEO’s office.

“The BLOs will examine each case individually. If satisfied with the documents, the names will remain; otherwise, they may be deleted from the final roll,” Goel said.

Updating the enumeration drive, the CEO noted that 96.5% of forms have been digitized. Out of Goa’s total 11.85 lakh voters, 10.55 lakh forms have been received, with around 40,000 pending. The last date for submission is December 4.

The draft electoral roll will be published on December 9, followed by the window for filing claims and objections until January 8, 2026. Goel urged citizens to cooperate and ensure their documents are in order to maintain an accurate and transparent electoral roll ahead of future elections.