Itanagar, Pasighat municipal polls deferred

Itanagar, April 30: The State Election Commission (SEC) has decided to cancel the election of Itanagar and Pasighat municipal councils, which was scheduled to be held next month, in view of the ensuing monsoon-related disasters. “The election to the municipalities of Itanagar and Pasighat stands deferred till the end of the monsoon season,” reads a State Election Commission order issued by its Secretary Kanto Danggen.

As the current term of both the municipalities will end on May 31, the poll schedule for the civic bodies was announced on April 20 last. The election was slated to be held on May 29. While the date for election notification was scheduled on May 1, counting of votes was to take place on May 31 and declaration of results was scheduled on June 7 next. Prior to the cancellation of the polls, the SEC, after receiving a letter from the State government on the municipality election, has requested for its rescheduling as the election was announced during the monsoon season when the chances of landslides and natural disaster are quite high. 

On the submission of the report by the government, the SEC sought reports from the Deputy Commissioners-cum-Municipal Election Officers (MEOs) of Itanagar and Pasighat municipalities who accepted the cancellation of the election anticipating the monsoon-related woes. The DC-cum-MEO of Pasighat, has submitted a report stating that the monsoon season has already begun and heavy rain and flood water have caused disruption in the surface communication, as a result of which the movement of men and material for the municipal poll will be difficult. He also suggested holding the election in between November 2018 and February 2019. The Itanagar MEO has also reported of high probability of (road) blockades during the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall.