In next SIR phase, EC to verify claims, objections

THE PUBLICATION OF THE DRAFT ROLLS MARKS THE END OF THE ENUMERATION PHASE OF THE EXERCISE IN BIHAR

- Vrinda Tulsian

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday published the draft electoral rolls for Bihar after the conclusion of the first phase of the controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR), adding that the next month will be devoted to the verification of the claims and objections process.

The publication of the draft rolls marks the end of the enumeration phase of the SIR, which required all existing electors in Bihar to submit forms and documents. The controversial exercise began on June 25 in Bihar, where assembly elections are scheduled to be held later this year. ECI has said it will hold SIR across the country.

ECI said from August I to September 1 will be the time of claims and objections. “During this period, to add the name of any eligible elector or to delete the name of any ineligible elector, any elector or any political party, can file claims and objections in a prescribed form before the concerned ERO,” the body said.

“All eligible electors are appealed to check their names in the draft list, and if their name does not exist in the list, they should fill and submit Form 6 along with the declaration form,” the body added.