Examiner Bureau | Kargil:
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Ladakh has prohibited political parties, candidates and their supporters from organising dharnas, protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, hunger strikes and rallies within the municipal limits of Leh and Kargil during the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) period for the upcoming municipal elections.
An order issued by Chief Electoral Officer Rahul Sharma, IAS, on November 11, 2026, states that the restrictions will remain in force throughout the MCC period, which came into effect on October 23 following the notification for the election of members to the Municipal Committees of Leh and Kargil.
The order bars political parties, candidates, their workers and supporters, as well as other persons, from organising, holding or participating in collective political activities that could affect the peaceful conduct of the elections.
The CEO observed that such activities could intimidate voters, disturb public order and undermine the environment necessary for free, fair and peaceful elections.
Political parties, candidates and their agents have also been directed to strictly adhere to the Model Code of Conduct and refrain from any activity that could intimidate, coerce or unduly influence voters.
The District Election Officers (Deputy Commissioners) of Leh and Kargil, along with the respective Superintendents of Police and other concerned authorities, have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the order.
The order further states that any violation will be dealt with firmly under the relevant provisions of law and the Model Code of Conduct, including the initiation of appropriate legal proceedings.
The District Election Officers have also been instructed to give the order wide publicity through print and electronic media and ensure that copies are displayed at prominent public places, including Municipal Committee offices and the notice boards of the Deputy Commissioners.
The order has been issued under Section 282 of the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Act, 2000, read with the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Committee (Election) Rules, 2003, with the stated objective of ensuring free, fair and peaceful municipal elections in Leh and Kargil.
