The Election Commission of India (ECI) has modified the counting schedule for the assembly constituencies of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, shifting the date from June 4 to June 2. This decision comes in the wake of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections and polls for State Legislative Assemblies.


According to a press note issued by the Election Commission on March 16, 2024, the polling date for both Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim is set for April 19, 2024, with the counting initially slated for June 4. The amendment to the counting schedule aligns with the term expiration of the Legislative Assemblies of both states, scheduled for June 2, 2024.


In a statement, Sanjeev Kumar Prasad, Secretary of the ECI, outlined the constitutional basis for the Commission's decision, citing powers conferred under Article 324 read with Article 172(1) of the Constitution of India and Section 15 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.



Source: ANI


Arunachal Pradesh Elections


The Election Commission announced that Arunachal Pradesh will participate in both Lok Sabha elections and assembly polls on April 19. The notification for the assembly elections will be issued on March 20, initiating the nomination process. Candidates have until March 27 to file their nomination papers, with scrutiny scheduled for March 28 and the last date for withdrawal of nominations set for March 30.


Arunachal Pradesh, with two Lok Sabha seats and a 60-member assembly, witnessed the BJP's victory in both Lok Sabha seats in the previous elections. The BJP, JD(U), NPP, Congress, and other parties have announced candidates for the upcoming assembly polls.


Sikkim Elections


Simultaneously, Sikkim will also hold Lok Sabha and assembly elections on April 19. The state has only one Lok Sabha seat and a 32-member assembly. The notification for the elections will be released on March 20, commencing the nomination process until March 27. Scrutiny of nomination papers will occur on March 28, with the last date for withdrawal of nominations on March 30.


In Sikkim, the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) will compete with the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), BJP, and other parties. In the 2019 elections, SKM emerged victorious, leading to a change in the government after 25 years of SDF rule. The BJP and SKM, formerly allies, are yet to announce any coalition for the upcoming polls.