The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls has officially commenced across the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands from October 28, 2025, marking the first such comprehensive revision in more than two decades. The last intensive revision was conducted in 2002. This large-scale exercise is being undertaken to ensure that every eligible voter is included and all ineligible entries are removed, in compliance with the electoral laws of the country.
According to the schedule released by the election authorities, the house-to-house enumeration phase will take place from November 4 to December 4, 2025, followed by the publication of the draft electoral rolls on December 9, 2025. The period for claims and objections will extend from December 9, 2025, to January 8, 2026, allowing citizens to verify their details or file corrections. The hearing and verification phase is scheduled from December 9, 2025, to January 31, 2026, culminating in the final publication of electoral rolls on February 7, 2026.
The revision exercise is being conducted under Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and Rule 25 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, which mandate the updating of electoral rolls before every election. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has consistently emphasized that the voter list is a dynamic register requiring periodic revisions, both intensive and summary, to maintain its accuracy. Over the last 75 years, the ECI has conducted annual revisions to keep electoral data current and credible.
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has underscored the significance of this exercise, describing it as essential for strengthening the democratic process. Voter lists, being dynamic, are affected by changes such as migration, deaths, and new voters attaining the age of 18 years, as well as citizens relocating for work, education, or marriage. Ensuring these changes are reflected accurately is crucial for maintaining the integrity of elections.
Under Article 326 of the Constitution of India, the eligibility criteria for becoming an elector are clear: the individual must be a citizen of India, at least 18 years old, an ordinary resident of the constituency, and not disqualified under any prevailing law. The revision process ensures that these constitutional parameters are adhered to, thereby preventing duplication or omission of names in the electoral roll.
As part of the Special Intensive Revision, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will conduct house-to-house enumeration, distributing pre-printed Enumeration Forms to households. Each form must be filled in by electors, providing updated details, attaching a recent colour passport-size photograph, and signing in the designated space. BLOs will revisit homes to collect the completed forms, which will then be verified and incorporated into the draft rolls.
The Chief Electoral Officer has appealed to all residents of the islands to cooperate with BLOs and participate actively in the enumeration process. This community-driven effort is designed to ensure that the electoral rolls are error-free, updated, and inclusive. The slogan of the Election Commission, “No eligible voter to be left out, and no ineligible person to be included in the Electoral Roll”, remains the guiding principle of this initiative.
With the exercise now underway, the administration aims to achieve comprehensive coverage of all eligible voters across the Union Territory. The Special Intensive Revision marks a renewed push toward ensuring free, fair, and transparent electoral processes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, reaffirming the democratic foundation of the archipelago’s governance system.
