Gangtok, April 23: Polling teams were successfully deployed on Wednesday for the Gangtok Municipal Elections 2026, with all arrangements put in place for polling scheduled to be held on April 24 at Paljor Namgyal Girls’ School. Election officials expressed confidence that the voting process would be conducted peacefully, transparently, and efficiently.
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| District Collector Tushar Nikhare briefs polling personnel during the dispatch of polling teams for the Gangtok Municipal Elections 2026 at the District Administrative Centre, Gangtok. (Image: DIO Gangtok) |
A total of three polling teams, each comprising one Presiding Officer and three Polling Officers, were dispatched from the District Administrative Centre by Municipal Returning Officer-cum-District Collector Tushar Nikhare. The polling station has been established for the 10-DPH Ward, the only ward in the Gangtok Municipal Corporation going to polls in the current election.
Before the polling teams were dispatched, the strong room housing the election materials and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) was opened in the presence of Election Observer-cum-Secretary of the Culture Department Basant Kr Lama. Also present were Assistant Municipal Returning Officers Sisum Wangchuk Bhutia, Tshering Norgyal Theengh, Mahendra Chettri, senior election officials, police personnel, and representatives of the contesting candidates, ensuring transparency throughout the process.
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Addressing the polling personnel, District Collector Tushar Nikhare briefed the teams on election procedures and emphasised strict adherence to the guidelines of the Election Commission. He instructed polling officials and representatives of the candidates to verify the commissioned Electronic Voting Machines against their designated serial numbers before dispatch. Presiding Officers also thoroughly checked all election materials using the prescribed official checklist to ensure that nothing was missing.
Police personnel received detailed instructions regarding security and logistical arrangements for polling day. To address any unforeseen circumstances, the district administration has kept a reserve polling team on standby. Officials from the Electronics Corporation of India Ltd (ECIL) were also present to provide technical support and ensure the proper functioning of the Electronic Voting Machines.
With preparations completed, election authorities expressed confidence that polling for the 10-DPH Ward would be conducted in a free, fair, and orderly manner, with all necessary administrative, technical, and security measures in place.
