Ladhak [India]: State Election Commission has announced the schedule for the general elections to Panchayat Halqas in the Union Territory of Ladakh. According to the Commission, the last general elections to Panchayat Halqas in Ladakh were held in November 2018, and with the term now over, new Panchayat Halqas are to be constituted.
As per Rule 7 of the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Rules, 1996, as applicable to UT Ladakh, the Government shall call upon the Panchayat Halqas to elect Sarpanches and Panches in consultation with the Election Authority. The notification for general elections to all Panchayat Halqas will be issued by the Administrator and the State Election Commission on 26th October.
The last date for filing nominations is 2nd November. Scrutiny of nominations will be held on 3rd November. The last date for withdrawal of candidatures is 5th November. Polling will be held on 21st November, and the entire election process shall be completed before 30th November.
The Commission has further clarified that the Model Code of Conduct for Panchayat elections in UT Ladakh has come into force with immediate effect and shall be followed scrupulously by all concerned. This election is seen as a major step towards strengthening democratic institutions at the grassroots level in the Union Territory.
[AIR News]