Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang wins by-poll election from Poklok-kamrang Constituency

SIKKIM: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, also known as PS Golay, won the by-poll election from the Poklok-kamrang Constituency today.

Goley opened up a sound lead over his rival, the SDF’s Moses Rai. Golay has so far secured 10,585 against Rai’s 1,858 votes.

Five-time Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling's era ended in Sikkim after over 24 years in power as his party SDF lost the state elections to a resurgent SKM. While Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) got 15 seats in the hill state, Sikkim Krantikari Morcha bagged 17 seats.

PS Goley was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Sikkim on May 27, 2019, in the presence of a crowd in Paljor Stadium in Gangtok. It may be mentioned that Golay is a five-time MLA from the erstwhile-rulers Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), before he resigned from the party to start the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM).

Golay led the SKM to victory in 2019 assembly elections winning 17 out of 32 seats in the legislative assembly which eventually ended the 24-year rule of the Pawan Kumar Chamling led Sikkim Democratic Front. Following a corruption case against him, Goley could not contest elections earlier this April, as this would mean disobeying Section 8 of the Representation of People’s Act, 1951, as he had to serve one year in jail.

SKM spokesperson Jacob Khaling on 24 May 2019 stated that Golay will head the government in the state, but according to constitutional experts, his conviction under the Prevention of Corruption Act might be a barrier for him to become the Chief Minister of Sikkim. It is also to be mentioned that, this election is crucial for Golay, as it was necessary for him to win an election within 6 months of being sworn in as Chief Minister, if he was to retain his post.

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