A meeting with representatives of recognised political parties, Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) was held at the conference hall of the District Administrative Centre (DAC), Sichey, on Wednesday.
The meeting, held under the chairmanship of Secretary, Planning and Development and Electoral Roll Observer of Gangtok district, Tushar Nikhare, discussed matters relating to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026, particularly the draft electoral roll and the claims and objections process.
The meeting was attended by Sikkim Minister of Roads and Bridges Department, Nar Bahadur Dahal, MLA-cum-Advisor, Food and Civil Supplies Department and Urban Development Department, Delay Namgyal Barfungpa, District Election Officer-cum-District Collector, Gangtok, Rohan Agawane, and ADC, Gangtok, Sisum Wangchuk Bhutia.
Minister Dahal stated that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) was the need of the hour, as it enabled Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to conduct door-to-door verification of electors, thereby ensuring the accuracy, authenticity and integrity of the electoral roll.
He observed that the exercise had yielded positive results by facilitating comprehensive verification and strengthening the electoral registration process.
Nikhare, in his address, appreciated the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, stating that it had provided a valuable opportunity to update and purify the electoral roll by removing ineligible entries, including deceased electors, permanently shifted voters, and duplicate registrations.
He observed that the exercise would enhance the accuracy and credibility of the electoral roll, thereby contributing to improved voter participation in future elections.
He further observed that the SIR exercise would benefit recognised political parties by enabling them to identify genuine electors and focus their outreach more effectively. He described the initiative as a significant step by the Election Commission of India towards ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.
Addressing the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), he emphasised the critical responsibility entrusted to them in the disposal of claims and objections. He advised newly appointed EROs to familiarise themselves with the hearing process by consulting experienced officers, including the Additional District Collector (ADC), Additional District Magistrate (ADM), and Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), before commencing hearings. He observed that taking sufficient time to understand the legal procedures would help ensure fair and legally sound decisions.
Nikhare also underscored that cases involving citizenship and nationality require careful examination, as only eligible Indian citizens are entitled to enrolment in the electoral roll. He urged EROs to verify all supporting documents thoroughly and decide such cases strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and the instructions issued by the Election Commission of India.
He further stressed the importance of issuing well-reasoned and legally sustainable speaking orders.
Electoral roll observer reviews sir progress for sikkim district with political parties, poll officials
