Panchayat polls called for 03 Nov

GANGTOK, 24 Sept: Speculations over the Panchayat poll dates finally ended today with the Information & Public Relations Department informing that the State Election Commission today notified the dates for the panchayat polls. The fourth general election for the constitution of Gram Panchayats and Zilla Panchayats in Sikkim has been called for 03 November 2012. This puts the rural body elections between Dasain and Teohar, against earlier speculations that the poll will be held ahead of Dasain.
With the announcement of the dates, the Model Code of Conduct has also officially come into force from today onwards. A Circular issued by the State Election Commission Secretary, Gita Bhutia, details: “For conduct of free and fair election, the Model Code of Conduct is enforced w.e.f. 24th September, 2012. It is applicable throughout the State of Sikkim and it will remain in force till the election process is over.”
The last date for filing nomination papers is 01 October 2012, a Monday, followed by 03 Oct set as the date for scrutiny and the 05 Oct as the last date for withdrawal of candidatures. The polling, wherever necessary, will be held on 03 November [a Saturday] with 09 Nov set as the date “before which the election shall be completed”.
The State Election Commission has appealed to all political parties, contesting candidates and voters to “participate in the election process peacefully in keeping with the democratic tradition and in spirit of tolerance and non-violence”.