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Sikkim's CAP to Boycott Local Polls If Held on Party Lines

The Citizen Action Party has declared it will boycott the upcoming Urban Local Bodies elections in Sikkim if they are conducted on a party basis. The party argues that party-based local polls undermine the decentralised, community-focused essence of grassroots democracy as envisioned by constitutional amendments. CAP accuses the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha of backtracking on a pre-2019 promise to abolish party-based local elections. Instead of fielding its own candidates, the party will extend support to independent candidates based on merit and public service credentials.

Key Points: Sikkim Party to Boycott Party-Based Local Body Elections

  • CAP threatens boycott of ULB polls
  • Demands non-party grassroots elections
  • Accuses SKM of reversing promise
  • Will support independent candidates
2 min read

Sikkim local body polls: CAP to boycott if elections held on party lines

Citizen Action Party announces boycott of Sikkim ULB polls if conducted on party basis, demands non-partisan grassroots democracy.

"Local body elections are meant to empower communities, not political parties. - Albert Gurung"

Gangtok, March 26

The Citizen Action Party on Thursday announced that it will boycott the upcoming Urban Local Bodies elections in Sikkim if they are conducted on a party basis, reiterating its long-standing demand for non-party grassroots democratic processes.

CAP spokesperson Albert Gurung said the party has consistently advocated strengthening local self-governance through independent participation, asserting that municipal and Nagar Panchayat elections must remain non-partisan to preserve their democratic essence.

"Local body elections are meant to empower communities, not political parties. Conducting them on a party basis dilutes their core purpose," Gurung said.

He pointed out that the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), prior to coming to power in 2019, had promised to abolish party-based Panchayat and ULB elections, but has since reversed its stand.

Echoing similar concerns, CAP spokesperson Prakash Parajuly said party-based local polls undermine the spirit of decentralisation envisaged under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts.

"These amendments were aimed at devolving power and decision-making to the grassroots. Party-based elections defeat that objective," he said.

Parajuly argued that in a small state like Sikkim, where some wards have fewer than 500 voters, political affiliations could overshadow local issues.

"Elected representatives may prioritise party interests over public welfare," he added.

Gurung further alleged that the move reflects an attempt to centralise control, claiming that local representatives often function under party directives, thereby weakening accountability.

The party said it will not field candidates under its symbol in the ULB polls announced by the State Election Commission. Instead, it will extend indirect support to independent candidates based on merit, integrity, and public service credentials.

"Capable and educated youth must come forward to address grassroots issues and hold those in power accountable," Parajuly said.

CAP also raised concerns over possible uncontested wards, the ward reservation process, and alleged irregularities in candidate eligibility.

Reaffirming its stand, the party said it would adopt a similar approach in future Panchayat elections if conducted on a party basis.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand the sentiment, a complete boycott might not be the answer. It could leave the field open for others. Why not participate and fight for the change from within the system? Still, their point about centralised control is valid.
R
Rohit P
This is a problem across India, not just Sikkim. Panchayat elections in my home state are also full of party politics and money power. The original idea of *Gram Swaraj* is lost. Good to see a party taking a stand, even if it's symbolic.
S
Sarah B
Interesting perspective. In Western democracies, local elections are often non-partisan. It allows councilors to focus on civic issues like garbage collection and roads without national political baggage. Sikkim's debate is quite relevant.
V
Vikram M
Promises before elections, U-turns after winning. A tale as old as time! SKM is doing what every party does. But CAP supporting independents based on merit is a good middle path. Hope capable youth actually come forward.
K
Kavya N
Without party backing, how will an independent candidate get resources and visibility? It's an idealistic thought, but the ground reality is different. Party structure provides a platform, for better or worse.

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