Meghalaya implements tribal-only voting rules for GHADC

Meghalaya is implementing significant changes to its electoral processes. The state government has issued a gazette notification amending the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) rules. These amendments, approved by Governor C. H. Vijayashankar, mandate Scheduled Tribe status for candidates and establish a separate electoral roll for GHADC elections, effectively excluding non-tribal voters from participating in council polls.

Simultaneously, the state is nearing the conclusion of its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 for electoral rolls. Chief Electoral Officer BDR Tiwari reported that approximately 90.65 per cent of notices have been processed. To date, only 910 electors have been found ineligible, representing 0.15 per cent of those reviewed. Officials have been directed to utilize online hearings and help desks to assist vulnerable populations, including senior citizens and the economically disadvantaged, in completing the revision process.