The ruling party in Sikkim, Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) has taken a lead in 27 out of the 32 assembly seats, as per initial trends by the Election Commission. Former Chief Minister and SDF supremo Pawan Kumar Chamling is trailing behind the SKM candidate Raju Basnet from Namcheybung seat. The counting of votes began at 6 am under tight security arrangements, with postal ballots being counted first and EVM votes to follow. SKM's Sonam Lama is also leading by a small margin against BJP's Tseten Tashi Bhutia in Sangha.
Sikkim: SKM Takes Lead in Assembly Election Trends
The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) has taken an early lead in the ongoing assembly elections in Sikkim, securing a dominant position in most of the 32 constituencies.
SKM Strong in Early Trends
As per initial trends released by the Election Commission, the SKM has emerged as a front-runner in 27 of the 32 seats. The party's candidates have established comfortable margins in several key constituencies, including Tadong, Gangtok, and Mangan.
Chamling Trailing
Former Chief Minister and Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) supremo Pawan Kumar Chamling is facing a tough challenge in his home constituency of Namcheybung. The SKM candidate, Raju Basnet, has taken a significant lead over Chamling, who has held this seat for over two decades.
BJP Contesting
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also made its presence felt in the Sikkim assembly elections. The party's candidate, Tseten Tashi Bhutia, is locked in a close contest with SKM's Sonam Lama in Sangha.
High Voter Turnout
The assembly elections in Sikkim witnessed an impressive voter turnout of over 80%, indicating the political enthusiasm among the electorate.
Background: Sikkim Politics
Sikkim has a history of stable and peaceful politics, with the SDF dominating the political landscape for five consecutive terms. However, the emergence of the SKM in recent years has challenged this dominance.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. Who is the current Chief Minister of Sikkim? Answer: Prem Singh Tamang (SKM)
2. What is the ruling party in Sikkim? Answer: Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM)
3. Who is the Leader of the Opposition in Sikkim? Answer: Pawan Kumar Chamling (SDF)
4. How many seats does the SKM have in the Sikkim Assembly? Answer: 17 (pre-election)
5. What is the size of the Sikkim Assembly? Answer: 32 seats
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