Sikkim Assembly

1. The Election Commission of India announces the schedule for the upcoming Assembly Elections in Sikkim.
2. Sikkim’s Assembly consists of 32 seats, with a minimum of 17 seats required to form a government.
3. The polling date is set for April 19, 2024, with nominations closing on March 27, 2024.

Gangtok, March 16: The Election Commission of India has officially declared the schedule for the upcoming Assembly Elections in Sikkim, marking a crucial milestone in the state’s political landscape.

Key Dates:

  • Polling Date: April 19, 2024
  • Gazette Notification: March 20, 2024
  • Nominations Deadline: March 27, 2024
  • Vote Counting: June 4, 2024

The Sikkim Assembly comprises 32 seats, requiring a minimum of 17 seats for a party to form the government.

In the previous 2019 Assembly elections, the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) emerged victorious with 17 seats, closely followed by the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) with 15 seats.

Also Read: Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) Unveils Candidates for Lok Sabha Polls, Set to Contest in 5 Seats

Political Dynamics: In a notable development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and SKM allied during the 2019 elections.

Notable figures such as Sikkim CM Chamling, Hamro Sikkim Party (HSP) working president Bhaichung Bhutia, and Chamling’s younger brother Rup Narayan Chamling were among the prominent candidates in contention.

However, the political landscape witnessed significant shifts since the 2014 Assembly elections when the SDF secured 22 seats, while the SKM managed 10 seats.

Subsequently, due to defections and legal proceedings, the SKM’s representation dwindled to just two MLAs.

Conversely, the SDF, under the leadership of the country’s longest-serving chief minister, Pawan Kumar Chamling, bolstered its presence in the Assembly to 29 MLAs.

Unique Political Context: Sikkim stands out as the sole state consistently electing regional parties to power since 1979, a testament to the entrenched sentiment among its populace.

This trend is often attributed to the electorate’s preference for regional parties over national entities, reflecting a nuanced political landscape shaped by local dynamics and identity.

Notable Candidates: Sikkim CM Chamling, renowned footballer and Hamro Sikkim Party (HSP) working president Bhaichung Bhutia, along with Chamling’s sibling Rup Narayan Chamling, emerge as pivotal figures in the electoral fray.

Their involvement underscores the diverse array of personalities vying for influence and representation within the state’s political sphere.

Anticipation and Challenges: As the electoral process unfolds, anticipation mounts among stakeholders, ranging from political parties to the electorate, awaiting the outcome that will shape Sikkim’s governance for the foreseeable future.

Nevertheless, the road ahead presents its share of challenges, including ensuring the smooth conduct of elections amid logistical complexities and fostering robust democratic participation.

The announcement of the Assembly Election schedule in Sikkim heralds the commencement of a spirited electoral contest, characterized by competing visions, diverse candidates, and the enduring influence of regional politics.

As Sikkim embarks on this democratic journey, the outcomes will not only determine the composition of the state legislature but also reflect the aspirations and priorities of its citizens.