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 the three Tsong, Sangha and scheduled caste members.[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 Lepcha and the Bhutia communities.[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 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 | ||||