Goa: 1.27 lakh voters deleted from final roll; 428 Portuguese passport holders found

In a significant update ahead of the upcoming elections, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Goa revealed that approximately 1.27 lakh voters have been removed from the electoral rolls. This deletion, accounting for a 10.75% net reduction, primarily affects constituencies such as Vasco, Cortalim, and Dabolim. The deletions were facilitated by the implementation of the Special Identity Registration (SIR) system, which aims to streamline voter registration and enhance the integrity of the electoral process. Additionally, the CEO's office reported the identification of 428 individuals holding Portuguese passports among the voter list, raising concerns about the legitimacy of their voting rights. The electoral body is now focused on ensuring that the electoral rolls are accurate and reflect eligible voters only, as the state prepares for its elections. This move is part of a broader effort to maintain the credibility of the electoral process in Goa, which has seen a rise in scrutiny regarding voter eligibility in recent years.