Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Jan 8: The electoral authorities in Goa have issued a detailed clarification amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls, addressing concerns over a notice served to South Goa Congress MP Captain Viriato Hipolito Mendonca Fernandes.
The explanation was released by the office of the Assistant Electoral Registration Officer for the 26-Dabolim Assembly constituency through the Joint Mamlatdar-III of Mormugao taluka. Officials said the issue stemmed from procedural lapses in the enumeration form submitted during the revision exercise, which caused it to be marked as “unmapped” in the electoral system.
According to the clarification, the Booth Level Officer responsible for Part No. 19 collected the form as part of the SIR process. However, several compulsory fields were left blank, including the Assembly Constituency number, the part number and the elector’s serial number on the existing electoral roll.
Because these identifiers were missing, the automated system was unable to match the form with the MP’s existing voter record. As a result, the system categorised the submission as “unmapped” and automatically generated a hearing notice, in line with standard procedures. Officials stressed that the notice was issued mechanically by the system and was not targeted at any individual.
The clarification follows public statements by Captain Fernandes, who had earlier alleged that he was summoned by the Election Commission of India to personally verify his identity with documents to retain his name on the electoral roll. He had argued that such scrutiny of a sitting Member of Parliament strengthened the Opposition’s fears that the SIR exercise could be misused to remove legitimate voters from the rolls, potentially affecting their right to vote.
In response, the electoral office reiterated that the notice was solely the consequence of incomplete information on the form and that the entire process was automated and carried out strictly as per prescribed guidelines. Officials added that the matter remains under review, but declined to share further details on the final resolution or any corrective measures at this stage.
Authorities said the clarification was issued to counter speculation surrounding the notice and to reaffirm that the electoral roll revision is being conducted uniformly, without discrimination or selective action. They also emphasised the importance of accurate and complete data submission during revision exercises, warning that even minor omissions can trigger automated procedural steps.
The statement was disseminated through official communication channels linked to the Dabolim Assembly constituency and the Chief Electoral Office in Goa.