The groundwork for updating the electoral roll in Andaman and Nicobar Islands has begun with the Chief Electoral Officer convening a meeting of recognized political parties to outline the pre-revision activities. The meeting, held at Shiksha Sadan in Sri Vijaya Puram, focused on technical, logistical, and procedural aspects to ensure smooth conduct of the upcoming revision.
During the session, the CEO delivered a presentation that highlighted the importance of the revision, the qualifying date of the last Special Intensive Revision, current voter data, and details of polling stations. Political parties were apprised of the formats required for enrollment and the supporting documents to be submitted. Eleven types of documents have been identified as valid proofs to accompany the Enumeration Form, which is a key part of the process.
A live demonstration was also given to illustrate how the part-wise Electoral Roll of 2002, the last major revision, has been digitized and uploaded on the CEO’s website. The search facility now allows electors to identify their part number and serial number in the roll through the portal. The facility aims to make voter data more accessible and ensure transparency in the process.
Political parties were urged to nominate Booth Level Agents for each polling station across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Parliamentary Constituency. The Booth Level Agents are expected to coordinate closely with Booth Level Officers to facilitate enumeration and identify gaps in the roll. Their presence is considered crucial to ensure accuracy and inclusion during the revision.
The CEO stressed that cooperation from all recognized political parties will be vital for the smooth execution of the revision exercise. The meeting emphasized that voter enrollment, data verification, and roll correction are collaborative tasks requiring participation from both officials and parties. Without active involvement, gaps in data or delays in correction could impact the conduct of elections.
The pre-revision activities are designed not only to prepare accurate voter lists but also to reinforce the credibility of the electoral process in the islands. By encouraging participation from political representatives at every stage, the Election Office aims to create a transparent and accountable system. Officials highlighted that the systematic involvement of Booth Level Agents will allow community-level verification and improve trust in the rolls.
The focus on digitization marks a significant step in modernizing electoral management in the territory. The uploading of historical rolls and the provision of online search tools have opened access to data that was previously confined to government records. Voters, particularly those in remote areas of the archipelago, are expected to benefit from the new digital access.
For the administration, the revision process is also an opportunity to assess current polling infrastructure, identify emerging challenges, and rectify inaccuracies that may have crept into the records since the last revision. By engaging with political parties early, the Election Office seeks to preempt disputes and establish clarity about the procedures.
The meeting marks the beginning of a structured sequence of steps that will lead to the final publication of the electoral roll. With technology being used to enhance transparency and political stakeholders brought into the fold, the exercise reflects a blend of tradition and modernization in electoral practice.
As Andaman and Nicobar Islands prepare for the revision process, the success of the exercise will hinge on meticulous planning, technological integration, and above all, the active cooperation of political parties and citizens.
