Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Dr. Rathan U. Kelkar announced on Wednesday that the Election Commission has designated four Electoral Roll Observers to supervise the Intensive Electoral Roll Revision (IER) - 2026 throughout Kerala's 14 districts in an effort to guarantee a transparent and grievance-free voter list revision.
Before the final release of the electoral rolls, the program aims to guarantee that no eligible voter is left out and that any shortcomings are fixed.
According to the CEO, M.G. Rajamanikyam, IAS, has been assigned charge of Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. K. Biju, IAS, will oversee Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram, while Tinku Biswal, IAS, will supervise Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam districts. Dr K. Vasuki, IAS, will be in charge of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha, IANS reported.
Dr Kelkar said the observers would conduct three visits to their respective districts at different stages of the revision process. The first visit will be during the notice period, when claims and objections are invited from the public.
The second will take place while Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) are disposing of claims and objections. The third visit will coincide with the verification of Booth Level Officers’ (BLOs) work, printing of supplements and the final publication of the electoral rolls.
During the first visit, meetings will be held with Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly and representatives of recognised political parties to hear grievances and ensure their active participation in the process. Public meetings will also be convened after giving advance notice.
The Electoral Roll Observers will scrutinise reports and explanations submitted by District Election Officers (DEOs) in constituencies where additions or deletions exceed the district average by more than one per cent, or cross three per cent in any Assembly segment.
Emphasising transparency and accountability, Dr Kelkar said all necessary steps were being taken at every level to ensure a credible and inclusive voter list, to complete the revision without grievances and without leaving out any eligible voter.