AAP Raises Concerns Over Overlapping Zila Panchayat Polls and SIR Process in Goa

By A Staff Reporter

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has expressed serious concern over the simultaneous conduct of the Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls (SIR) process and the Zila Panchayat elections in Goa. Addressing reporters after a meeting with the Election Commission, AAP leader and the party’s Goa incharge, Atishi, said that the timing of the two crucial exercises could compromise both their integrity and efficiency.

In an exclusive statement, Atishi said, “The Zila Panchayat elections are scheduled for December 13, and during this period, the entire election machinery of all political parties will be preoccupied with campaigning. No political party will have the time or capacity to properly monitor the SIR process.”

She questioned the urgency behind holding both exercises concurrently, suggesting that either could have been postponed by three weeks to ensure fair and thorough execution. Atishi also highlighted procedural gaps, pointing out that while the Election Commission has a detailed mechanism to address wrongful inclusions in the draft electoral roll, the current SIR circular lacks clarity regarding individuals wrongfully excluded from the list.

“We have requested the Election Commission to make provisions for those whose names have been wrongly left off the electoral rolls,” she added. AAP has urged the Commission to ensure transparency and fairness in the process to maintain public confidence in Goa’s electoral systems.