CAP Sikkim not to contest Municipal Elections, to back independent candidates

ISABELLA GURUNG

GANGTOK,: The Citizen Action Party (CAP) Sikkim on Thursday announced that it will boycott the upcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) elections in Sikkim, scheduled for April 24, while extending support to ‘qualified and capable’ independent candidates across all 63 wards.

Addressing a press conference in Gangtok, CAP spokesperson Albert Gurung said that the decision was taken in protest against the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha’s (SKM) move to conduct the municipal elections on a partisan basis, which he termed a ‘betrayal’ of SKM’s 2019 manifesto promise.

“A few days ago, the State Election Commission announced that the municipal panchayat and municipality elections are scheduled for April 24. This time, more than 10 wards have been added in the municipal panchayat list, making it a total of 63 wards. As a responsible political party, we declare that we reject this partisan ULB election. We will not field party candidates. However, to keep democracy alive and challenge favouritism, we will support qualified, capable and educated independent candidates,” said Albert.

Criticizing the SKM government, CAP Sikkim accused the ruling front of going back to its pre-2019 promise to hold panchayat and municipal elections on a non-party basis.

Quoting from the SKM manifesto, Gurung said the party had earlier opposed partisan local elections, claiming they turned grassroots institutions into “puppets.”

“However, the current move to field party candidates in all wards reflects a “complete U-turn”. The Sikkimese people gave them power based on that promise. Now they have reversed their stand, which is completely wrong. If partisan elections are right, why did they oppose it earlier?” the CAP Sikkim spokesperson questioned.

The party further alleged that SKM is attempting to impose candidates and maintain political control over local bodies by leveraging State power.

CAP spokesperson Prakash Parajuli highlighted that local self-government institutions derive their mandate from the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts of 1992, which emphasize decentralization and grassroots democracy.

He argued that in a small State like Sikkim, where wards have between 500 to 1,000 voters, independent elections are more suitable to ensure direct public participation.

“In earlier independent elections, especially in 2021 and 2022, Sikkim witnessed the highest voter turnout and participation of educated youth. Independent elections create space for capable individuals from the public,” he added.

CAP Sikkim also pointed to pressing issues in urban areas, particularly in Gangtok, including water shortages, parking constraints, rising taxes, garbage fees, and electricity bills.

Referring to recent water scarcity, Albert said, “People in Gangtok had to go 7 to 10 days without drinking water despite having elected representatives. These are the issues that need capable and accountable leadership at the local level.”

CAP Sikkim urged voters across Gangtok Municipal Corporation, Namchi Municipal Council, and Nagar Panchayats of Nayabazaar-Jorethang, Singtam, Mangan, Geyzing, Pakyong, Soreng, and Rangpo to support independent candidates who are committed to public service.

“We welcome all qualified candidates who want to bring change in their wards, towns, and markets. In democracy, if only the ruling party dominates, it weakens local governance,” CAP said.

The elections, announced by the State Election Commission, will be held across 63 wards, including newly added areas in Pakyong and Soreng districts.