Upcoming Election in Sikkim

Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, the northeastern state of Sikkim stands as a true testament to India's vibrant democracy and serene beauty. With its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and a history deeply rooted in Buddhism, Sikkim has captivated the hearts and minds of both locals and tourists alike. Sikkim, as one of India's 28 states, actively participates in this democratic process through its state-level elections. The Sikkim Legislative Assembly comprises 32 elected members. The assembly plays a vital role in shaping Sikkim's policies, enacting laws, and overseeing the government's functioning. The elections to the Sikkim Legislative Assembly are held every five years, allowing the people of Sikkim to elect their representatives who will work towards the state's development and welfare. The next election date for the Sikkim Legislative Assembly had not been officially announced. 

Sikkim 2019 Legislative Election Result

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang

Sikkim State Legislative Assembly

The Sikkim State Legislative Assembly is the backbone of democratic governance. With its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and a commitment to democratic principles, Sikkim exemplifies the power of representative governance. The Sikkim State Legislative Assembly is the primary legislative body of the state. Comprising elected representatives, the assembly plays a pivotal role in the legislative process, policymaking, and oversight of the government's functioning. It provides a platform for legislators to voice the concerns and aspirations of the people they represent and work towards the betterment of their respective constituencies and the state as a whole. Sikkim is divided into four districts: East Sikkim, West Sikkim, North Sikkim, and South Sikkim. Each district has its unique characteristics, including cultural heritage, geographical features, and socio-economic dynamics. The Sikkim State Legislative Assembly performs several essential functions in ensuring good governance and accountability, such as Lawmaking, Policy Formulation, Financial Oversight. The Sikkim State Legislative Assembly stands as a symbol of democratic governance, empowering the people of Sikkim and ensuring their voices are heard. Through the dedicated efforts of legislators, including Members of Legislative Assembly, the assembly plays a crucial role in shaping policies, enacting laws, and fostering the overall development of the state. 

History of Sikkim State Legislative Assembly

The history of Sikkim's legislative assembly elections is a fascinating journey, tracing the state's evolution from a monarchy to a democratic republic. Before the year of 1975, Sikkim was a monarchy ruled by the Chogyal or the King. However, the state underwent a significant transformation in 1975 when the Indian government took control of the administration, and the Chogyal abdicated the throne. Subsequently in 1979, the Sikkim Legislative Assembly was formed, comprising 32 members, of which 31 were elected through direct elections and one was nominated by the governor.  

In the 1980s and 1990s, Sikkim witnessed a consolidation of democratic institutions and processes, with the number of assembly seats gradually increasing to 40. The 1989 elections were significant because it was the first time that all assembly seats were contested, with no seats reserved for nomination by the governor. The 1994 elections witnessed a further expansion of democracy, as the number of assembly seats increased to 46, with all seats directly elected. The 2000s witnessed a significant shift in Sikkim's political landscape as the state began to move towards multi-party democracy. In the 2004 elections, the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) won all 32 seats, leading to criticism that the state was a one-party dominated democracy. However, the 2009 elections witnessed a remarkable shift, with the SDF winning only 11 seats and the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) winning 18. The 2014 elections witnessed a further shift towards multi-party democracy, with the SDF winning 22 seats and the SKM winning 10.

In the 2019 elections, the SKM won an unprecedented 17 seats, forming the government for the first time in the state's history. The SDF won 15 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won one. The 2019 elections witnessed a significant shift in the political landscape, with the SKM promising to bring a new era of development and progress to the state.

Previous Legislative Assembly Election in Sikkim

The 2019 Sikkim Legislative Assembly election marked a significant turning point in the political landscape of the state. It was a closely watched and highly anticipated election that resulted in a historic shift in power, bringing an end to the long-standing rule of the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF). The main contenders in the 2019 Sikkim Legislative Assembly election were the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), which had been in power since 1994, and the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), the main opposition party. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also fielded candidates in some constituencies, aiming to expand its presence in the state. The election campaign in 2019 was intense, with parties highlighting various issues and promising development and progress for Sikkim. The SDF campaigned on its track record of governance, emphasizing its efforts in education, health, tourism, and rural development. The SKM, on the other hand, focused on unemployment, corruption, and the need for better infrastructure.

The voter turnout in the 2019 Sikkim Legislative Assembly election was impressive, with a participation rate of around 80%. The Election Commission of India ensured a smooth and transparent electoral process, deploying adequate security personnel and conducting the election in a fair manner.

The 2019 election results brought a historic political shift to Sikkim. The SKM emerged as the winner, securing 17 out of the 32 seats in the Legislative Assembly. Following the election results, the SKM formed the government in Sikkim, with Prem Singh Tamang, popularly known as P.S. Golay, becoming the Chief Minister.