OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER REFUTES ALLEGATIONS OF IRREGULARITIES IN VOTER ENROLLMENT

Remains fully committed to maintaining a pure, accurate, and error-free Electoral Roll

Panaji, June 13, 2025

The office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Goa has refuted allegations of irregularities with regards to voter enrollment. The office of the Chief Electoral Officer was referring to the video posted on the Facebook page of “Prudent Media” regarding the press briefing by Shri. Elvis Gomes pertaining to his complaints dated May 12, 2025 and May 27, 2025 filed before the Chief Electoral Officer, Goa and Election Commission of India, New Delhi in respect of mass transfers of BLOs of 11-Panaji Assembly Constituency and video posted on X.com(twitter) of Shri. Elvis Gomes regarding, highlighting alleged irregularities in the enrollment of voters in 11-Panaji Assembly Constituency.

The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Goa has stated that they were in receipt of complaints from Shri. Elvis Gomes for Citizens for Democracy Goa regarding mass transfers of BLOs in 11-Panaji Constituency, which were forwarded to the Collector/DEO North Goa District to submit detail action taken report in the matter. In response to the same, the Collector/DEO North Goa District, Shri. Ankit Yadav, IAS has reported in his interim report dated June 12, 2025 that, pursuant to the said complaints his office has issued memorandums calling upon the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) 11-Panaji AC to furnish the detailed factual report and the Electoral Registration Officer(ERO) 11-Panaji AC in his reply dated June 04, 2025 and June 05, 2025, has stated that as on the date of his reply, only 11 of the newly appointed BLOs have actually assumed charge.

Further, the Collector/DEO North Goa District has reported that an inquiry has been ordered under the charge of Additional Collector-I, North Goa, to examine the correctness of the proposed replacements vis-à-vis the instructions issued by the Election Commission of India and pending completion of the inquiry, implementation of the ERO’s order of April 17, 2025 regarding appointment of Booth Level officers has been kept in abeyance.

While referring to the video posted on X.com(twitter) of Shri Elvis Gomes on June 11, 2025,highlighting alleged irregularities in the enrollment of voters in Panaji Assembly Constituency, wherein it has been stated that foreign nationals especially Nepali citizens and individuals not residing in the state of Goa have been enrolled in the Electoral roll, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Goa, has stated that, their Office remains fully committed to maintaining a pure, accurate, and error-free Electoral Roll. Strict norms and verification mechanisms are in place to ensure that only eligible citizens are enrolled. However, if any specific instances come to light where individuals who are not ordinarily residing in Goa have been erroneously included in the Electoral Roll, the concerned citizens and complainants are encouraged to assist the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) by filing Form 7 (Application for Deletion of Name). This enables the appropriate authorities to examine and take necessary corrective action as per the prescribed procedure. Further, objections and claims can also be submitted by the citizens regarding entries in the Electoral Roll.

The Office of Chief Electoral Officer, Goa has assured all citizens of its continued commitment to uphold the purity and integrity of the Electoral Roll, in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Election Commission of India.

DI/NB/AXP/CR/2025/364