Gangtok, 12 December (IPR):
The State Election Commission organised an event, "50 Years of Statehood: Tracing Sikkim’s Electoral Legacy", discussing the topic titled "Chronicle of the State Election Commission, Sikkim: Since the Post-Merger with the Union of India" at Zilla Bhawan Hall, DAC, today.
Mr KC Lepcha, State Election Commissioner of Sikkim, graced the event as the Chief Guest. It was attended by Mr Dushyant Pariyar, Secretary State Election Commission, Mr Hemant Rai, Director Municipal Affairs Urban Development Department, and Mr Tenzing Dorjee, Director (Panchayat), Rural Development Department.
The session began with a welcome address delivered by Mr Samdesh Moktan, Additional Director, State Election Commission. He stated that the session would aid in a detailed understanding of the constitutional framework, operational challenges and progressive developments related to the State Election Commission.
Mr KC Lepcha, in his address, spoke about Sikkim’s achievements since its merger with India. He highlighted the hard work and aspirations of the Sikkimese people, which have brought positive changes to the state. He described the 50-year journey as extraordinary. He discussed the importance of democracy and traditional systems like the Dzumsa in Lachen and Lachung. He noted that panchayat elections have connected rural communities and supported local development.
He emphasised the Election Commission’s commitment to free and fair elections and the protection of democratic values. He also recognised the efforts of everyone who contributed to Sikkim’s progress. He praised Sikkim for its success in areas like organic farming, women’s empowerment and environmental protection. He stated that these efforts have set new standards for growth and development.
Mr Dushyant Pariyar spoke about the Election Commission's journey since Sikkim joined India in 1975. He said it was an important moment as Sikkim moved from being a monarchy to becoming the 22nd state of India. He elaborated on the evolution of the Election Commission and its significant contributions to strengthening democracy in Sikkim. He highlighted the first elections conducted after the merger and subsequent efforts to promote transparency and inclusivity in the electoral process. He also emphasised the importance of Sikkim’s historic integration with the Indian Union and credited the Election Commission’s role in facilitating governance and its impact on the democratic development of the State.
Resource Person, Dr KR Rama Mohan, Professor-cum-HOD, Department of Anthropology, Sikkim University, explained the role of the State Election Commission in conducting elections and safeguarding voting rights. He addressed its responsibilities in resolving election disputes, ensuring inclusivity and overcoming challenges in remote areas by adhering to democratic principles and processes.
Resource Person, Dr Denkila Bhutia, Assistant Professor, Department of Law, Sikkim University, discussed the constitutional provisions under Article 243K, which outlines the State Election Commission’s authority over panchayat elections, and Article 243ZA, with similar provisions for municipal elections. She explained the composition of the Sikkim State Election Commission and provided examples from other states where judicial interventions have influenced the functioning of State Election Commissions.
Resource Person, Ms Sangmu Bhutia, Assistant Professor, Department of History, Sikkim University, presented key developments in Sikkim’s electoral history, including the Sikkim Panchayat Act of 1993, the first general panchayat elections held in 1997 and the traditional Dzumsa system in Lachen and Lachung. She discussed Article 243D, which reserves one-third of seats in panchayats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and women.
Ms Sangmu highlighted the positive impact of these provisions on increasing women’s participation in politics, which has fostered more inclusive decision-making at the grassroots level. She stressed the importance of continuous efforts to enhance women’s involvement in governance and ensure their representation at higher levels of the political system.
Also present were Mr GL Meena SDM Gangtok, Mr Sandeep Kumar Assistant Collector Gangtok, Mr Tom Tshering Lepcha, Deputy Director Sikkim State Election Commission, Mr Sonam Gyatso Bhutia District Planning Officer Zilla Panchayat Gangtok, officials and officers from the State Election Commission, teachers, scholars and students.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr Rajen Rai, Deputy Secretary, State Election Commission.