GANGTOK: The Citizen Action Party (CAP) Sikkim has recorded its “deep concern and disappointment” on Chief Minister PS Golay’s announcement to conduct the upcoming municipal and panchayat elections in a party-based system.
Addressing the Jan Unmukti Diwas programme at Rangpo on Saturday, the Chief Minister had declared the upcoming civic and rural bodies’ polls would be party-based. The last panchayat and municipal elections in Sikkim were non-party based wherein only independent candidates were allowed. In a press statement Sunday, CAP Sikkim spokesperson Mahesh Rai said:
This decision starkly contradicts his previous statements and actions, raising serious
Mahesh Rai, CAP Sikkim Spokesperson
questions about the consistency and sincerity of his leadership
Rai referred to the interview published by a local English daily on November 7, 2022, wherein the Chief Minister had emphasized the importance of non-partisan elections to local bodies, terming it a “turning point in promoting healthy democracy in Sikkim.”
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At that time, he had praised the policy as a step towards ensuring that the grassroots
democracy in Sikkim would flourish without the divisive influence of party politics, said Rai. “It is worth noting that when in opposition, Golay was a strong advocate for non-partisan elections and even brought together various political parties in 2015 to push for this very cause. However, since assuming power, it appears that his commitment to these ideals has waned. The sudden U-turn to reintroduce party-based elections—without even bringing it to the attention of the legislative assembly during the recent monsoon session—suggests a disregard for democratic processes and transparency,” said the CAP Sikkim spokesperson.
Rai maintained that this move by the SKM government “smacks of authoritarianism” and raises concerns about the double standards being employed by the Chief Minister. The Citizen Action Party – Sikkim strongly condemns these inconsistencies and calls for greater accountability and adherence to democratic principles, he said.
“We stand firm in our belief that local governance should be kept free from the partisan politics that often divide communities and weaken the true essence of democracy. The Citizen Action Party – Sikkim will continue to advocate for the rights of the people and uphold the democratic values that Sikkim deserves,” said the CAP Sikkim spokesperson.
