Itanagar, Nov 15: State Election Commissioner (SEC) Rinchin Tashi called on the Governor Lt General (Retd) KT Parnaik at Raj Bhavan here on Saturday and apprised him of the preparations for the upcoming Panchayati Raj and Municipal elections.
During the meeting, the Governor underscored that Panchayati Raj elections form the very foundation of democracy by empowering people at the grassroots and giving them a direct voice in governance. He said these elections are not merely a constitutional mandate but a key instrument for self-governance and inclusive development.
Emphasizing the need for free, fair, and transparent elections, the Governor advised the State Election Commission to maintain impartiality and ensure strict adherence to democratic norms at every stage of the electoral process.
Governor Parnaik also called for robust security arrangements to prevent intimidation or violence and stressed the importance of curbing the misuse of money, muscle power, and official influence.
The Governor further highlighted the crucial role of citizens, civil society, and the media in safeguarding the credibility of grassroots democratic institutions.
Secretary SEC, Taru Talo, was also present during the meeting.