New Delhi: In a move not seen in nearly two decades, the Election Commission (EC) has undertaken a revision of electoral rolls in five assembly constituencies ahead of upcoming bypolls, aiming to ensure what officials described as a "spotless" Voters List.

According to officials, this marks the first Special Summary Revision carried out for bypolls since 2006, when a similar exercise was conducted in Tamil Nadu.

Citing the Representation of the People Act, 1950, officials noted that electoral rolls are meant to be updated before every election or bypoll unless the EC decides otherwise. "If the electoral roll is not revised, the validity or continued operation of the said electoral roll shall not be affected," they said, quoting the legal provision.

The EC retains the discretion to decide whether such revisions are necessary, depending on specific circumstances. The ongoing revision does not invalidate the current electoral list, which remains in effect until the special revision is completed.

By-elections in five assembly constituencies across four states are scheduled for June 19, as per the poll panel’s announcement last month. Vote counting will take place on June 23.

In Kerala, the Nilambur seat is going to polls after the resignation of P V Anvar. Gujarat will witness bypolls in two constituencies — Kadi, following the death of MLA Karsanbhai Punjabhai Solanki, and Visavadar, vacated after Bhayani Bhupendrabhai Gandubhai resigned. Punjab’s Ludhiana segment is facing a by-election due to the demise of Gurpreet Bassi Gogi. Meanwhile, in West Bengal, the Kaliganj seat fell vacant after the death of Nasiruddin Ahamed.

The Special Summary Revision process is legally defined as a mechanism to cleanse the electoral roll by removing the names of deceased or relocated voters and enrolling new eligible voters.