Gangtok, Feb 7 : The State Election Commission, Sikkim, on Saturday held a preparatory meeting at the Fisheries Department Conference Hall near Paljor Stadium to assess readiness for the upcoming Municipal Elections 2026. The meeting was chaired by State Election Commissioner K.C. Lepcha.
Secretary of the State Election Commission, Gloria Namchu, provided an overview of the elections, noting an increase in polling stations and the inclusion of Soreng and Pakyong areas as Nagar Panchayats. She also shared details of polling station distribution across districts.
Commissioner Lepcha highlighted the role of the State Election Commission in the elections and outlined key dates for preparing electoral rolls. He advised district officers to review their preparedness ahead of the election declaration, emphasizing that the State has entered election mode.
Electoral rolls will be prepared in coordination with the National Informatics Centre by converting parts of Legislative Assembly Constituency rolls into Municipal Ward rolls. Important dates include:
Draft electoral rolls preparation: February 9
Segregation of ward-wise rolls: February 10–17
Data entry of manuscripts: February 18–24
Draft publication: February 25
Filing of claims and objections: February 26–March 2
Disposal of claims and objections: March 3–9
Printing and final publication: March 18
Commissioner Lepcha also informed about changes in Gangtok district, including the division of Burtuk and Lower Sichey wards and the adjustment of Pipal Dara Ward boundaries in Singtam Nagar Panchayat. The total number of polling stations has increased from 89 to 120, while the number of wards has risen from 51 to 63.
The meeting concluded with an interactive session involving District Collectors, Superintendents of Police, Additional District Collectors, Sub Divisional Magistrates, Municipal Executive Officers, and senior officers from various departments, discussing district-level preparedness for the elections.
