Odisha SEC Begins Preparations for 2027 Panchayat and Municipal Elections

The Odisha State Election Commission (SEC) held a meeting with representatives of recognised political parties on Tuesday to discuss preparations for the upcoming 2027 Panchayat and Municipal elections, with a focus on preparing an accurate and error-free voter list.

The meeting was chaired by State Election Commissioner Madhusudan Padhi at the SEC office in Bhubaneswar. Representatives of various political parties shared their suggestions regarding the preparation and revision of electoral rolls.

Door-to-Door Voter Survey from October 26

The SEC informed political parties that a door-to-door survey will begin across the state from October 26. The exercise will aim to update voter records, ensure eligible voters are correctly included and verify details relating to ineligible, deceased or relocated voters.

The Commission urged all political parties to actively participate in the survey process by appointing Booth Level Agents (BLAs) at polling stations across the state.

Political parties have been asked to submit details of their BLAs by October 15 to the concerned Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs). For rural areas, the details will be submitted to BDOs, while in urban areas they will be submitted to Executive Officers of NACs and municipalities. In municipal corporations, the details are to be submitted to Deputy Commissioners or Assistant Commissioners.

Focus on Accurate Electoral Rolls

State Election Commissioner Madhusudan Padhi said an accurate and error-free voter list is the foundation of a transparent and healthy electoral system. He stressed transparency, impartiality and participation at every stage of the electoral roll preparation process.

The meeting also discussed voter cooperation during the door-to-door survey, data collection, addition and deletion of names, and correction of voter details.

The SEC urged all stakeholders to ensure that no eligible voter is excluded and no ineligible person is included in the electoral roll.

Political party representatives assured the Commission of their cooperation in the survey and voter-list preparation process.

SEC Secretary Santosh Kumar Dash, Deputy Secretary Durga Charan Murmu and representatives of recognised political parties attended the meeting.