Inquiry initiated; citizens urged to report discrepancies via Form 7
Panaji: The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Goa, has denied allegations of irregularities in voter enrolment in the Panaji assembly constituency following a social media post by Congress’ Elvis Gomes.
The CEO was responding to a video published by a media house and a separate post on X by Gomes alleging mass transfers of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and enrolment of ineligible voters, including foreign nationals.
According to the CEO’s office, complaints from Gomes dated May 12 and May 27, filed under Citizens for Democracy Goa, were forwarded to the North Goa Collector and District Election Officer (DEO) for action.
In his interim report dated June 12, Collector Ankit Yadav, IAS, stated that his office had issued memorandums to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), Panaji, seeking detailed reports.
The ERO, in replies dated June 4 and 5, stated that only 11 newly appointed BLOs had assumed charge. Meanwhile, the implementation of the ERO’s April 17 order regarding BLO appointments has been kept in abeyance pending an inquiry by Additional Collector-I, North Goa.
Responding to claims of non-residents and foreign nationals, especially Nepali citizens, being included in the Electoral Roll, the CEO said that strict verification protocols are in place to ensure only eligible citizens are enrolled.
Citizens can file Form 7 for deletion of names if they identify erroneous entries. Objections and claims are also accepted under the prescribed procedure.
The CEO said it follows the Election Commission of India guidelines for ensuring an accurate, lawful, and error-free electoral roll.
