The State Election Commission of Sikkim has announced the full schedule for the general municipality elections to be held in 2026. The elections will cover all municipal wards across the state, with major political parties gearing up for the contest.
Key Dates and Phases
The election will be conducted in a single phase. The notification for the polls will be issued on May 15, 2026. Candidates can file nominations from May 16 to May 22. Scrutiny of nominations will take place on May 23, and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is May 25. Voting is scheduled for June 1, and counting of votes will be held on June 4.
Wards and Candidates
The election will be held for all 33 wards in the state's municipalities, including Gangtok, Namchi, Mangan, Gyalshing, and others. Major parties like the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are expected to field candidates. The ruling SKM party is aiming to retain control, while the opposition SDF and BJP are looking to make gains.
Voter Registration and Arrangements
The Election Commission has updated the voter list, with a total of 1.2 lakh eligible voters. Special arrangements have been made for smooth polling, including the deployment of security forces and the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs).
Political Significance
The municipal elections are seen as a litmus test for the ruling SKM government, which came to power in 2019. The outcome will indicate public sentiment ahead of the next state assembly elections. The opposition has raised issues of development and corruption, while the ruling party highlights its welfare schemes.
Polling will be held from 7 AM to 5 PM on June 1, and results will be declared on June 4. The elections are expected to be a closely watched contest in the Himalayan state.
