Chief Election Commissioner Clarifies Voting Rules, Mandates Document Verification for Non-Citizens
Published on: August 17, 2025
By: [BTI]
Location: New Delhi, India
In a significant statement, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has reiterated that only Indian citizens are eligible to vote in elections for Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs), as per the Constitution of India. Addressing concerns about electoral integrity, Kumar emphasized that individuals from other countries have no voting rights in India.
Speaking at a press conference in Delhi, the Chief Election Commissioner clarified the process for ensuring compliance with this constitutional mandate. “If any non-citizens have filled out the enumeration form, they will be required to prove their nationality by submitting relevant documents during the Special Investigation and Revision (SIR) process,” Kumar stated. He further assured that the names of such individuals would be removed from the voter list following a thorough investigation if they fail to establish their Indian citizenship.
This announcement underscores the Election Commission of India’s commitment to maintaining the sanctity of the electoral process. Kumar’s remarks come amid ongoing efforts to strengthen voter verification mechanisms and prevent any misuse of the electoral system. The SIR process, which includes document-based scrutiny, is designed to ensure that only eligible Indian citizens are included in the voter rolls.
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The Election Commission has urged all stakeholders to cooperate in this exercise to uphold the principles of free and fair elections. Authorities have also been directed to conduct rigorous checks during the voter list revision to safeguard the democratic process. This move is expected to enhance transparency and reinforce public trust in India’s electoral system as the nation prepares for upcoming elections.