ECI to Update Voter Rolls in Northeast States from April

New Delhi | February 21

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced that a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls will be undertaken in six northeastern states beginning April 2026. The revision will cover Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura, aiming to ensure that voter lists remain accurate and up-to-date ahead of upcoming elections.

In a communication dated February 19, the Commission directed Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of the concerned states to initiate all preparatory arrangements in a timely manner to ensure a smooth and transparent revision process.

The exercise in the Northeast forms part of a broader nationwide revision drive that will span 22 states and Union Territories, covering an estimated 374 million electors across the country. The initiative assumes significance as several northeastern states — including Manipur, Meghalaya, and Nagaland — are scheduled to go to the polls in 2027–28.

The upcoming revision marks the 14th nationwide electoral roll update since Independence. Previous rounds have included similar exercises in Assam and other regions to maintain the integrity of voter databases.

The Commission stated that the Special Intensive Revision is aimed at strengthening the accuracy, inclusiveness, and reliability of the electoral process, ensuring that all eligible citizens are duly enrolled while removing ineligible entries from the rolls.