Candidates find names deleted as last-minute voters list shake-up hits Kerala local body elections

Thiruvananthapuram: A last-minute shake-up in the voters list has jolted the run-up to the local body elections in Kerala, with even prospective candidates discovering that their names have been struck off the electoral rolls.

This unusual situation, triggered by a supplementary revision of the voters list, has resulted in the removal of numerous names — including those of candidates — from the rolls. The abrupt development has disrupted the early advantage gained by political fronts that finalised their candidates well in advance, and is now expected to influence the balance of power in the upcoming elections significantly.

It was only on November 4 and 5 that the State Election Commission (SEC) offered a final opportunity to enrol new voters, correct details such as addresses and delete outdated entries. This sudden move came despite the SEC having published the voters list as early as October 25.

Soon after the release of this final list, complaints began surfacing alleging serious lapses in the revision process across several local bodies, including the Koduvally Municipality. In response, the secretaries of the affected local bodies were replaced, and a fresh window was opened for a general revision of the voters list. The situation was further complicated by political workers approaching the High Court with petitions over the alleged irregularities, prompting the SEC to grant one more opportunity for corrections.

Amid this churn, some political parties had already announced their candidates well ahead of others, catching rivals off guard. But once the final list of contenders became clear, complaints began flooding into the local body secretaries — who serve as Electoral Registration Officers — seeking the deletion of several names, including those of declared candidates. A complaint from any voter in a ward was sufficient to trigger the removal of a name, with common grounds cited including death, relocation, or documentary discrepancies.

At the same time, allegations have surfaced that the mandatory requirement to serve a notice and seek an explanation from a voter — if the person is alive — was ignored in certain regions under political pressure.

If district collectors delay decisions on the appeals filed by affected voters, including candidates who have lost their place on the rolls, political parties will be left with no option but to field alternative candidates.

No more additions to voter rolls, clarifies SEC

While announcing the local body elections, the State Election Commission had stated that voters would not be given another chance to have their names included in the list. The publication of the final rolls, the two-day window for appeals, and the lack of time for fresh hearings were cited as the reasons.

However, Sections 23 and 24 of the Kerala Panchayati Raj Act, and Sections 79 and 80 of the Kerala Municipality Act, clearly stipulate that claims and objections filed under these provisions may be accepted until the final day for submitting nominations.