Gangtok: The Citizen Action Party (CAP) has strongly opposed the conduct of party-based elections for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Sikkim, reiterating its stand in favour of non-party, grassroots democratic processes.
CAP spokesperson Albert Gurung said that since its formation, the party has consistently advocated strengthening grassroots democracy through independent local governance.
He stated that local self-government elections—particularly municipal and Nagar Panchayat polls—should be conducted on a non-party basis to preserve their core democratic purpose.
Gurung pointed out that the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), before coming to power in 2019, had promised in its manifesto to do away with party-based Panchayat and ULB elections. “However, after assuming power, the party has reversed its stand, opting instead for party-based elections,” he said.
Echoing similar concerns, CAP spokesperson Prakash Parajuly said party-based local elections undermine the spirit of decentralisation envisaged under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts. Introduced in 1992, these amendments aimed to ensure the devolution of power, funds and decision-making to local bodies.
Parajuly argued that in a small state like Sikkim, where some wards have fewer than 500 voters, party-based elections could distort grassroots governance. “Winning candidates may end up serving party interests rather than addressing local issues,” he said.
Gurung further alleged that the shift reflects an attempt to centralise control, claiming that local representatives often function in line with party directives, leaving citizens’ concerns unaddressed.
Parajuly said CAP will not field candidates under its party banner in the upcoming ULB elections announced by the State Election Commission. Instead, the party will extend indirect support to independent candidates who demonstrate integrity, capability and commitment to public service.
The party clarified that such candidates will not officially represent CAP or contest under its symbol, and that support will vary across constituencies depending on local dynamics.
Referring to past practices, Gurung noted that the 2021 ULB and 2022 Panchayat elections in Sikkim were conducted on a non-party basis, a move widely welcomed by stakeholders. He contrasted this with earlier party-based polls conducted under the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), which SKM had previously criticised.
Parajuly also raised concerns over the possibility of uncontested wards, warning that this would indicate weakening democratic participation. He further alleged that the ward reservation roster is prepared without adequate involvement of opposition parties.
CAP also flagged allegations of individuals changing surnames to contest under different reservation categories, calling for stricter scrutiny.
Reiterating its position, the party said strengthening local self-government requires empowering individuals rather than political parties, cautioning that excessive politicisation at the grassroots level could erode democratic accountability.
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