Sikkim's Draft Electoral Rolls: Over 37,000 Left Out After Intensive Revision

In Sikkim, the recent draft electoral rolls have excluded over 37,000 individuals following a comprehensive enumeration phase. The Chief Electoral Officer reported that many voters were marked as deceased, relocated, or untraceable. The revision process emphasizes transparency, allowing citizens to contest omissions during the claims and objections period. With the window open until August 4, eligible voters can apply for inclusion or raise concerns. This initiative aims to ensure an accurate and fair electoral process in the state.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 5, 2026, 17:56 IST

Significant Changes in Sikkim's Voter Registration

Gangtok: The recently released draft electoral rolls in Sikkim have excluded over 37,000 individuals following the completion of the enumeration phase as part of the Special Intensive Revision of the voter list.

According to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), as of May 20, there were 471,018 registered voters in the state, with 433,294 enumeration forms successfully collected and digitized.

This enumeration phase took place from May 30 to June 28.

During a house-to-house verification conducted by booth-level officers (BLOs), it was discovered that 37,724 individuals had either passed away, moved permanently, registered in multiple locations, or could not be located, as reported by the CEO's office.

The CEO emphasized that the final determination regarding these voters will be made after a thorough review by electoral registration officers (EROs) and their assistants.

The enumeration process was completed effectively, thanks to strong public engagement and collaboration among election officials and political party representatives.

The revision process is designed to be transparent, ensuring that no voter's name will be removed without proper procedure, including notification and a justified order. Those whose names are missing from the draft roll will have the chance to request inclusion during the claims and objections period, according to the CEO.

After the draft electoral roll is published, the claims and objections period will be open until August 4, allowing eligible voters to apply for inclusion or contest any discrepancies.

The CEO's office has provided booth-wise lists of voters marked as deceased, relocated, duplicated, or untraceable to political party agents at the booth level. These lists will also be displayed at ERO offices and made available on official websites alongside the draft electoral rolls to maintain transparency.