CEC Calls India's Electoral Roll a 'Living Document' as 95 Crore Voters Engage in Dynamic Process
India's electoral rolls, encompassing nearly 95 crore voters, constitute a 'living document' that evolves dynamically with time, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said on Friday (July 17, 2026).
Addressing the first-ever media conference organised by the Election Commission of India (ECI), Mr. Kumar highlighted the statutory safeguards underlying the preparation of electoral rolls. He noted that over 12 lakh Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and over 15 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) actively participate as 'concurrent auditors' in the process.
Emphasising that elections in India are conducted in accordance with the Constitution, electoral laws, and instructions issued by the ECI, he stated that the entire electoral process undergoes continuous scrutiny by all stakeholders involved.
The highest-ever voter participation in recent Assembly elections, Mr. Kumar said, reflects the trust electors have in the country's electoral system and the vibrancy of Indian democracy. He also expressed gratitude to all electors for their participation in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
The conference, themed 'Connecting stakeholders, strengthening democracy: role of media in elections', was attended by over 380 media professionals from across the country. Participants were briefed on the roles and responsibilities of BLAs, polling agents, and counting agents, highlighting their contribution to transparency, political party participation, and strengthening the electoral process as concurrent auditors.
Media professionals were also given demonstrations of electoral roll preparation, polling, and counting processes. These demonstrations provided hands-on experience with various statutory forms that form the basis for concurrent audit by stakeholders.
