SDF sweeps North Zillas, Independents secure small toehold at ward level

MANGAN, 05 Nov: The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front continued its hold over North Sikkim by securing 19 of the 20 Zilla territorial constituencies in the district and cornering 98 of the 109 panchayat wards here. While a majority of these seats had already been secured uncontested by the ruling party, it further improved on its tally after the votes were counted today. Only one [Phensang under Kabi-Lungstok constituency] of 06 Zilla wards which required elections went to an Independent candidate while SDF and Independents split the 28 panchayat wards which went to poll at 18 and 10 respectively. The performance of Independents at the Zilla level remains unchanged from the last panchayat polls in 2007, but last time, the SDF had fielded no candidate for the Zilla ward which went to an Independent in North Sikkim, incidentally, also at Kabi-Tingda then. At the Panchayat ward level, Independents have improved on their tally from 06 last time to 10 now.
The details are as follows:
In Dzongu constituency, out of 11 Territorial Constituencies and 56 Wards, the election was held for three territorial constituencies and 10 Wards.
Namok-Swayem GPU: Pema Lhamu Lepcha (SDF) 432 and Norzam Bhutia (IND) 274; Mangshila-Tibuk GPU: Dhan Maya Limboo (SDF) 643, Raghu Maya Limboo (IND) 204 and Sun Kumari Limboo (IND) 177; Hee-Gyathang GPU: Angulie Lepcha (SDF) 502 and Lakpa Tshering Lepcha (IND) 238.
Swayem ward: Dawa Pendup Bhutia (SDF) 105 and Tenzing Gyamtso Lepcha (IND) 61; Deythang ward: Passangmit Lepcha (SDF) 70 and Kipu Bhutia (IND) 66 of Namok Swayem GPU.
Ralak ward: Kumar Limboo (SDF) 169 and Bandhana Subba (IND) 81; Lower Zusing ward: Meena Maya Limboo (SDF) 131 and Ganga Maya Limboo (IND) 65 of Mangshila-Tibuk GPU.
Ship ward: Lakden Lepcha (SDF) 82 and Rongmit Lepcha (IND) 24 of Shipgyer GPU; Lower Barfok ward: Lopzang Lepcha (SDF) 69 and Phur Tshering Lepcha (IND) 25 of Barfok-Lingdong GPU.
RangRang ward: Santosh Tamang (IND) 92 and Dawa Tamang (SDF) 58 of Tingchim-Chandey GPU; Sudur Bringbong ward: Tshering Doma Lepcha (SDF) 98 and Norzey Lepcha (IND) 95; Mantyang Tungkyong ward: Kalzang Dorjee Lepcha (IND) 81 and Karma Lepcha (SDF) 79; Sangdong ward: Lhakit Lepcha (SDF) 116 and Pemkit Lepcha  (IND) 02 of  Hee-Gyathang GPU.
Similarly, out of 5 Territorial Constituencies and 30 Wards of Kabi-Lungtsok constituency, the election was held at three GPUs for territorial constituencies and 14 Wards.
Kabi-Tingda GPU: Pema Doma Bhutia (SDF) 569, Passang Lhamu Sherpa (IND) 399 and Yangchen Doma Bhutia (IND) 271; Phensang GPU: Pema Sherap Lepcha (IND) 331, Choden Lepcha (SDF) 285  and Passang Namgyal Lepcha (IND) 126; Men-Rongong GPU: Khimoo Lepcha (SDF) 357 and Phursongmoo Lepcha (IND) 304.
Under the Kabi-Tingda GPU, Tingmoo Ghaikhana ward: Chey Lhamu Sherpa (IND) 257 and Bibi Doma Tamang (SDF) 120; Longbu ward: Tashi Lhendup Bhutia (SDF) 209 and Sonam Tsh Bhutia (IND) 62; Lingchom ward: Tshering Sherpa (SDF) 147, Lhakpa Sherpa (IND) 95.
Under the Phensang GPU, Lower Paney Phensong ward: Norjeela Lepcha (SDF) 67 and Ongmu Lepcha  (IND) 64; Gensoi Phensong ward: Namday Lepcha (IND) 92 and Tshering Zangmu Bhutia (SDF) 52; Safyong ward: Ugen Lhendup Bhutia (SDF) 47 and Tshering Doma Bhutia (IND) 27; Labi ward: Phurkey Lepcha (IND) 43 and Chewang Doma Lepcha (SDF) 33; Sardong ward: Chuzing Lepcha (IND) 65 and Chogay Lepcha  (SDF) 59; Tingshim ward: Doma Lepcha (IND) 45 and Pemkey Lepcha (SDF) 43.
Under Men-Rongong GPU, Rarik ward: Doma Yangzom Lepcha (SDF) 65 and Pem Phutti Lepcha (IND) 39; Lower Chewang ward: Pintso Lepcha  (IND)  73 and Sonam Dathup Lepcha (SDF) 66.
Under Rongong-Tumlong GPU, Lower Rongong ward: Som Bahadur Subba (SDF) 96 and Subash Subba (IND) 94 .
Under Ramthang-Tangyek GPU, Ramthang Khyongu ward: Pem Chukki Bhutia (SDF) 62 and Phurzim Ongmu Bhutia (IND) 45; Ramthang Phyagu ward: Marmit Lepcha (SDF) 49 and Tenzing Doma Lepcha (IND) 40. Tangyek ward: Pema Doma Lepcha (IND) 58 and Phumden Lepcha (SDF) 48; Lungchok Sangam ward: Karma Gyaltsen Lepcha (IND) 49 and Dup Tshering Lepcha (SDF) 47.
In Lachen-Mangan constituency, out of 4 territorial constituencies and 23 wards, the election was held at only two wards. Pakshep ward of Singhik GPU: Nima Dorjee Tamang (SDF) 159 and Pawluse Tamang (IND) 90; Manul ward of Toong-Naga GPU: Laymu Lepcha (IND) 47 and Thinley Chopel Lepcha (IND) 45.
However, the figures show close contest in maximum wards and GPUs in North Sikkim.
The counting process was conducted in the presence of Election Observer North District, CT Wangdi, Panchayat Returning Officer, TW Khangsarpa and other officials here at Zilla Bhawan in Mangan North Sikkim.
The overall voter turn-out for the Panchayat poll in North Sikkim was 87% while the highest votes have been cast at Kabi/Phensong with 98%, turnout.  Likewise, the lowest votes have been cast at Ramthang/Tanek, at both zilla and ward panchayat poll which is 65%.
The Addl. Returning Officer, PW Lepcha today also announced that all the elected and uncontested panchayats have to be present on 09 November for the certificate award ceremony at Community Hall Mangan.