Shillong: The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved the schedule for the preparation of electoral rolls ahead of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections, expected to take place next year.
Announcing the decision after Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, Minister and government spokesperson Wailadmiki Shylla said the process to update and finalise the rolls has officially begun, even though the exact election date is yet to be fixed.
Shylla explained that the preparatory phase includes publishing draft rolls, inviting claims and objections, and finalising the electoral lists before the polls.
He said the early start was necessary to ensure a smooth and timely conduct of the GHADC elections.
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Addressing questions about the participation of non-tribal voters, Commissioner and Secretary C.V.D. Diengdoh said the process would strictly adhere to the Autonomous District Rules, which clearly define voter eligibility.
He added that Deputy Commissioners would supervise the exercise and that the system of claims and objections would remain open to all those entitled to vote under the rules.
The GHADC elections, which are held every five years, play a crucial role in local governance across the Garo Hills region.
