Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 12 September 2023
The Election Commission for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has announced the schedule for the upcoming general elections to Hut Bay and Netaji Nagar Gram Panchayats (Both GPs are located in Little Andaman). These elections have become imperative as the term of the current Gram Panchayats is set to expire on November 8, 2023. The new Panchayats are to be constituted before this expiration date.
The timeline for the elections is as follows:
– Issue of Notification by the Administrator/Election Commission: September 15, 2023 (Friday)
– Last Date for Making Nominations: September 22, 2023 (Friday)
– Last Date for Scrutiny of Nominations: September 23, 2023 (Saturday)
– Last Date for Withdrawal of Candidatures: September 25, 2023 (Monday)
– Polling Day (if necessary): October 15, 2023 (Sunday)
– Completion of Elections: October 19, 2023 (Thursday)
The Model Code of Conduct, as prescribed by the Election Commission for the guidance of Political Parties and Candidates in Elections to Panchayats and Municipalities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, issued on October 13, 1999, and subsequent instructions, shall apply to these elections. Furthermore, instructions issued by the Election Commission of India on the Model Code of Conduct will also be followed.
Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, and the Andaman and Nicobar Administration have issued guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure the safety of all participants. These guidelines and SOPs will be strictly adhered to during these General Elections.
The Election Commission for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has additionally issued comprehensive guidelines, based on the Election Commission of India’s guidelines and recommendations from the Standing Committee of All India State Election Commissioners, specifically tailored for conducting General Elections/Bye-Elections during the COVID-19 period. These guidelines will also be scrupulously followed.
The Model Code of Conduct for the elections has come into immediate effect, and all concerned parties have been urged to observe it diligently. These elections represent a significant democratic exercise in the region, and adherence to these guidelines is vital for a fair and transparent electoral process.