Meghalaya Government will go ahead with elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council as the term of the present council is scheduled to end on April 18, making it mandatory to complete the electoral process well before that date. Clearing the air on speculation around a possible deferment, Deputy Chief Minister in charge of District Council Affairs Prestone Tynsong on Tuesday categorically ruled out any move to postpone the polls, underlining the constitutional necessity of holding elections within the stipulated timeframe.
Responding to a query on whether the State Government was considering postponing the elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, Tynsong said, “The question of postponing the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council elections does not arise because the term of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council is ending on April 18, so well before that the election process has to be completed.” His statement comes amid political discussions and demands from various quarters regarding the timing of the elections.
On being asked about the likely schedule for the elections, the Deputy Chief Minister indicated that a formal announcement would follow after due process at the highest level of the government. He said, “Hopefully very soon you will know that once the the government takes decision, once the cabinet takes decision so you will be informed.” The remarks suggest that the matter is actively under consideration and that clarity on the election timeline is expected shortly.
Addressing demands for the conduct of a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Garo Hills ahead of the elections, Tynsong maintained that the issue falls under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission.
He said, “Demand for conducting SIR in Garo Hills SIR is the subject of Election Commission, the moment we receive the notification, we have to implement it and I think that is a welcoming step why not.” The State Government, he added, would promptly act on any directive issued by the Election Commission, signalling readiness to comply with all procedural requirements to ensure a smooth and lawful electoral exercise.
