Guwahati: Manipur will begin the special intensive revision (SIR) of its electoral rolls from Saturday, marking the first such exercise in over two decades, as the state gears up to go to the polls early next year.
State’s chief electoral officer (CEO) Arun Kumar Sinha announced in Imphal on Friday that July 1, 2026 will serve as the qualifying date for the revision. Addressing the media at Lamphelpat in Imphal West, Sinha said the enumeration drive will be carried out between May 30 and June 28 through house-to-house visits. He added that a total of 2,956 booth level officers (BLOs) will be deployed across the state to ensure comprehensive coverage.
The CEO urged citizens, political parties and civil society organisations to cooperate fully with the process. “No eligible voter should be left out and no ineligible person should be included in the electoral roll,” he said. To boost public participation, Sinha also launched a multi-media campaign titled “I’M IN”. The initiative will run across print, outdoor, television, radio, online and activation platforms, encouraging citizens to actively verify and update their voter details.
Background and Significance
This revision comes after a gap of more than 20 years, highlighting the importance of updating voter lists to ensure fair elections. The last such exercise was conducted in the early 2000s. With the state expected to hold assembly elections in early 2026, the revised rolls will be crucial for the electoral process.
Process and Deployment
The enumeration will involve door-to-door visits by BLOs across all districts. Each BLO is responsible for a specific area and will verify existing entries, add new eligible voters, and remove deceased or relocated individuals. The CEO emphasized that the process will be transparent and accurate.
Public Cooperation
Sinha called upon all stakeholders to assist the BLOs and provide necessary documents. Political parties have been asked to monitor the process and report any discrepancies. The 'I'M IN' campaign aims to raise awareness through multiple channels, including social media, radio jingles, and television spots.
Citizens can check their names online and report errors. The CEO assured that all complaints will be addressed promptly. The revised roll is expected to be published after the completion of the drive and subsequent claims and objections.
