Dehradun: The State Election Commission of Uttarakhand has taken serious note of misleading and false information circulating on various social media platforms and other electronic mediums regarding the eligibility criteria for candidates in the upcoming Panchayat elections. In particular, it is being wrongly propagated that if a person’s name appears in both urban and rural voter lists, they become ineligible to contest Panchayat elections. Additionally, rumors are being spread claiming that the Commission has issued new directives concerning eligibility.
The State Election Commission has categorically clarified that Panchayat elections in Uttarakhand are conducted strictly as per the provisions of the Uttarakhand Panchayati Raj Act, 2016 (as amended). No new instructions have been issued by the Commission regarding eligibility, and all stakeholders are bound to follow only what is prescribed under the Act.
Key points clarified by the Commission:
Right to vote and contest elections:
As per Section 9(13) of the Act, any person whose name is included in the electoral roll of a territorial constituency of a Gram Panchayat is entitled to vote and is eligible to be elected, nominated, or appointed to any office in that Gram Panchayat.
Similar provisions exist under Section 54(3) for Kshetra Panchayats and Section 91(3) for Zila Panchayats.
Grounds for disqualification:
Disqualifications relating to candidature are comprehensively laid down in Section 8 (for Gram Panchayats), Section 53 (for Kshetra Panchayats), and Section 90 (for Zila Panchayats) of the Act. No other grounds beyond what is specified in the Act are applicable.
The State Election Commission has appealed to the general public, prospective candidates, and the media not to believe such baseless and misleading information. Citizens are advised to rely solely on the official provisions of the Uttarakhand Panchayati Raj Act, 2016 and notifications issued by the Commission. In case of any doubts, they may refer to the Act or contact their respective District Election Officer or the State Election Commission.
