INTENSIVE RE-INSPECTION OF ELECTORAL ROLLS – CHALLENGES AND RESULTS: A STUDY

Periodic maintenance of electoral rolls is central to the integrity of electoral democracy. Intensive re-inspection (IRI) campaigns — targeted drives to verify, update, and cleanse voter lists — have been adopted in several jurisdictions to remove duplicate, deceased, and otherwise ineligible entries while ensuring inclusion of new and previously omitted electors. This paper examines the objectives, methodologies, institutional frameworks, operational challenges, and outcomes of IRI initiatives, drawing on comparative practice and empirical evidence. It analyses how technological tools, stakeholder participation, legal safeguards, and communication strategies influence accuracy and public confidence. The study concludes that while IRI can significantly improve roll quality and strengthen democratic legitimacy, its success depends on transparent procedures, robust grievance redressal, inclusive outreach, and protection against partisan manipulation. Policy recommendations focus on standardizing methodologies, improving data interoperability, safeguarding disenfranchisement risks, and enhancing public trust through independent oversight.