Sikkim Assembly introduces bill to allow political party participation in municipal elections

The Sikkim Legislative Assembly has introduced The Sikkim Municipalities (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed at allowing political parties to participate in municipal elections.

The bill proposes the omission of Section 14A from the Sikkim Municipalities Act, 2007, which previously mandated non-party-based elections for urban local bodies. With this amendment, municipal elections in Sikkim will now be conducted with political party involvement, aligning them with other electoral processes in the state.

According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons, the amendment is intended to enhance the democratic process and provide greater clarity in municipal governance. The bill is expected to pave the way for structured political participation at the local level.

The bill, tabled by the Urban Development and Food & Supplies Department, has been introduced for discussion in the Assembly. If passed, it will come into effect upon publication in the Official Gazette.