The filing of nominations for the much-awaited elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) began on Monday, with authorities imposing prohibitory orders across the five districts of Garo Hills to ensure a smooth and peaceful election process.
The restrictions have been imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which empowers the administration to regulate public gatherings and maintain law and order during sensitive periods.
Vibhor Agarwal issued a set of guidelines regarding the filing of nomination papers by eligible candidates. According to the order, nominations can be submitted until March 16, while polling for the council elections will be held on April 10. The counting of votes is scheduled for April 14.
The Deputy Commissioner stated that the filing of nominations has commenced with the notification issued for calling constituencies to elect their representatives under Rule 124(2) of the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Councils) Rules, 1951.
“All nomination papers shall be filed, received, and scrutinized in the offices of the respective Returning Officers or Assistant Returning Officers located within the office premises of the Deputy Commissioner in Tura,” the order said.
To maintain order during the nomination process, the administration has imposed restrictions on the movement of vehicles and the number of people allowed within the nomination area. Only one vehicle per candidate will be permitted within a 100-meter radius of the Deputy Commissioner’s office complex during the entire nomination period.
In addition, only four individuals will be allowed to enter the Returning Officer’s room while filing nomination papers. These include the candidate, one proposer, one seconder, and a legal counsel.
The order further states that no person will be allowed to gather within a 100-meter radius of the Deputy Commissioner’s office complex. Any unauthorized gathering of five or more people will be treated as an unlawful assembly.
An executive magistrate or a police officer not below the rank of sub-inspector has been authorized to disperse such unlawful assemblies within the specified jurisdiction during the nomination period.
Meanwhile, the upcoming elections have already sparked debate following a notification issued by the GHADC barring non-tribal individuals from contesting the April 10 polls.
While several Garo tribal organizations have supported the decision, non-tribal leaders have criticized the move, describing it as unconstitutional and an attempt to deprive them of their political rights.
The GHADC elections are expected to witness significant political interest, with various parties and independent candidates preparing to contest for seats in the autonomous council.