Goa SIR row: 88 of 97 left-out voters file Form 6, applications accepted

Amid an intense debate over the deletion of voters from electoral lists under the Special Intensive Revision, the office of Goa's Chief Electoral Officer has said that 88 of the 97 voters who were left out have already filed Form 6 and that their applications have been accepted.

Form 6 is the application used by eligible citizens to seek inclusion of their names in the electoral roll as new voters, according to the Election Commission of India.

In a status report shared on Thursday, the Goa CEO's office said three of the 97 are Portuguese passport holders, while six voters are currently outside India.

It also said that, following the ECI's instructions, a special drive will be held in Goa to enrol left-out eligible citizens as well as young and first-time voters who are not yet on the electoral roll.

The issue had drawn attention after an Indian Express report said these verified electors could not be added to the electoral roll because the ECI software did not allow the update to be recorded.

Earlier, the Goa CEO had said Booth Level Officers had separately visited the homes of the 97 voters who were excluded from the final roll published in February 2026, to help them complete Form 6.

In a post on X on September 24, the Goa CEO said, "Many have since been enrolled, while the remaining cases are being processed. It is reiterated that no eligible electoral will be left behind."

On Thursday, the Goa CEO's office said on X, "In respect of the voters who are currently residing outside India, the concerned officials are making efforts to establish and maintain contact with them for further necessary action."

In another post, it said, "The drive will focus on facilitating the enrolment of left-out eligible citizens as well as young and first-time eligible electors who have not yet been included in the electoral roll."

The office added that citizens' active participation and cooperation would help ensure that no eligible voter is excluded from the electoral roll and that all eligible citizens are able to exercise their right to vote, and said, "all eligible citizens are requested to avail themselves of this option and ensure that they are duly enrolled in the electoral roll."

The clarification from the Goa CEO comes as questions continue to be raised over deletions from voter lists, with the office saying most of the 97 left-out cases have moved forward through accepted Form 6 applications and that steps are under way for the remaining cases.- Ends