With the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive in its final stages, the Chief Electoral Office (CEO) of Goa has requested detailed information from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and the regional passport office on Goans who have acquired foreign passports—particularly those who have taken Portuguese citizenship—and consequently ceased to be Indian citizens.
The move comes amid concerns that some individuals may still be listed as voters in Goa despite holding citizenship of another country. Election officials say there is currently no direct mechanism to track whether a person has surrendered their Indian passport, making external data crucial for verification.
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The CEO’s office aims to identify such cases to ensure the electoral roll remains accurate and compliant with the law. Authorities have reiterated that providing false declarations or withholding information during the voter registration process is a punishable offence under the Representation of the People’s Act.
Officials said the updated data will help streamline the voter list and prevent foreign citizens from participating in India’s electoral process, strengthening transparency and integrity ahead of upcoming elections.
