Meghalaya – The Meghalaya government has set the election timetable for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), confirming that polling will take place in early April, with counting to follow a few days later.
The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. Cabinet Minister Wailadmiki Shylla later briefed reporters on the schedule, noting that the gazette notification will be issued in early March. The nomination process will close a week later, with scrutiny of papers scheduled the same day. Candidates will have a short window to withdraw, and the final list of contestants along with the allotment of election symbols will be released soon after.
The GHADC is one of three autonomous district councils in Meghalaya established under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. It holds legislative and administrative authority over specified subjects in the tribal areas of Garo Hills, making its elections a crucial exercise in local governance.
Preparations for the polls are already underway, with district administrations and law enforcement agencies coordinating to ensure smooth conduct.
The political stakes are high. The opposition Trinamool Congress is preparing for direct contests in several constituencies, while the ruling National People’s Party has announced its slate of candidates. In a notable move, the party has excluded the sitting chief executive member from its list, signaling an internal reshuffle ahead of the elections.
