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Sikkim Urban Local Body Polls Set for April 24; Counting on April 25

The State Election Commission of Sikkim has announced elections for Urban Local Bodies to be held on April 24, with vote counting scheduled for the following day. The election process commenced with the notification on March 23, with the nomination period open until March 30. A total of 93,697 voters across 63 wards will participate, marking a significant increase in both electorate size and number of wards. The Model Code of Conduct is now in effect, with officials emphasizing preparations for a free and fair electoral process.

Key Points: Sikkim Urban Local Body Elections Announced for April 24

  • Polling on April 24 from 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Counting and results on April 25
  • 93,697 voters across 63 wards
  • Model Code of Conduct in immediate effect
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Sikkim urban local body polls on April 24; counting on April 25

Sikkim's State Election Commission announces ULB polls on April 24, counting on April 25. Model Code of Conduct in force for 63 wards.

"elections will be conducted in a free, fair and inducement-free manner - KC Lepcha"

Gangtok, March 23

The State Election Commission of Sikkim on Monday announced that elections to Urban Local Bodies will be held on April 24, with polling scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Counting of votes and declaration of results will take place on April 25, while the term of the current elected representatives is set to end on May 5.

State Election Commissioner KC Lepcha said the election process formally began with the issuance of the notification on March 23. Filing of nominations will continue till March 30, followed by scrutiny on April 1. The last date for withdrawal of candidature has been fixed as April 4.

The Model Code of Conduct has come into force with immediate effect.

Lepcha stressed that the elections will be conducted in a free, fair and inducement-free manner. He added that preparations have been completed in coordination with district administrations and election officials, and consultations have been held with political parties.

According to the Commission, a total of 63 wards across urban bodies will go to polls, covering 93,697 voters, including 47,170 males and 46,527 females. The electorate has increased by 14.5 per cent, while the number of wards has gone up by 23 per cent following delimitation.

The Gangtok Municipal Corporation has the highest share with 21 wards, 69 polling stations and 58,703 voters.

Other urban bodies include Namchi Municipal Council with 7 wards and 6,095 voters, Singtam Nagar Panchayat with 5 wards and 4,998 voters, and Rangpo Nagar Panchayat with 5 wards and 16,276 voters.

Pakyong and Soreng Nagar Panchayats are newly constituted. Pakyong has 5 wards, 9 polling stations and 1,443 voters, while Geyzing, Soreng and Mangan Nagar Panchayats have 2,662, 2,043 and 2,662 voters respectively.

The elections will be conducted with reservations implemented on community and gender lines, officials said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The gender split of voters is almost equal (47,170 males vs 46,527 females)! That's a positive sign. Hope this translates to more women candidates and representatives in the local bodies. Empowerment starts at the grassroots.
R
Rohit P
While the Commissioner promises free and fair polls, the real test is on the ground. In many local body elections across India, inducements are a major issue. Hope Sikkim sets a better example.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the data breakdown. Gangtok has over 58k voters while Pakyong has only 1,443. Shows the concentration in the capital. The newly constituted panchayats like Soreng getting a voice is crucial for balanced development.
V
Vikram M
The timeline is tight - notification on 23rd March, nominations till 30th, polls on 24th April. Hope all parties, especially smaller ones, get enough time to prepare and field candidates. Local democracy is the backbone of the nation.
K
Kavya N
Reservations on community and gender lines are important, but the ultimate goal should be merit-based representation where these crutches aren't needed. Hope the elected representatives focus on real issues like waste management and water supply.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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