1967 Sikkimese general election
General elections were held in Sikkim in March 1967, having been due earlier but postponed after a state of emergency was declared following the Sino-Indian War.[1] The Sikkim National Congress emerged as the largest single party, winning eight of the 24 seats.[1] Although the Sikkim National Party won only five seats, its parliamentary faction was joined by three others (one each from the Tsong (Limbu), Sangha and scheduled caste reserved seats).[1]
Electoral system
The State Council had established in 1953 by the Chogyal.[2] It originally had 18 members, of which 12 were elected and six (including the President) appointed by the Chogyal.[2] Of the 12 elected members, six were for the Nepali community and six for the Bhutia-Lepcha community.[2] For the 1958 elections the number of seats was increased to 20 by adding one seat for the Sangha and an additional appointed member.[2] In 1966 a further four seats had been added; one each for the Nepali and Lepcha/Bhutia communities, together with one for the Tsong (Limbu)[3] and a scheduled caste seat.[1]
Candidates for election to the Council had to be at least 30 years old, whilst the voting age was set at 21.[1]
Results
| Party | Votes | % | Seats | +/– |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sikkim National Congress | 8 | New | ||
| Sikkim National Party | 5 | –1 | ||
| Sikkim State Congress | 2 | –5 | ||
| Others | 3 | +3 | ||
| Appointed members | – | – | 6 | –1 |
| Invalid/blank votes | – | – | – | |
| Total | 24 | +4 | ||
| Source: Hamlet Bareh | ||||
References
- Hamlet Bareh (2001) Encyclopaedia of North-East India: Sikkim Mittal Publications, p17
- Bareh, p16
- Buddhi L. Khamdhak (1 December 2019). "The Tsongs (Limbus) Down the Ages in Sikkim" (PDF). Journal of Global Literacies, Technologies, and Emerging Pedagogies. 5 (2). Retrieved 3 February 2021.
The Sikkimi Tsongs, Limbus or Yakthungs, are the Indigenous inhabitants of Sikkim. They are also commonly called 'Tsong' by the Bhutias and Lepchas in Sikkim