Meghalaya Extends GHADC Term by Six Months

SHILLONG: The Government of Meghalaya has decided to extend the tenure of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) by six months following unrest over the participation of non-tribal candidates in the council elections.

The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting virtually chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday.

Briefing the media after the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who holds the Home and District Council Affairs portfolio, said the cabinet met with a single agenda concerning the extension of the current GHADC House.

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According to the decision, the tenure of the council has been extended for six months from April 18 to October 18, 2026 following deliberations by the cabinet.

The development came shortly after Albinush R Marak resigned from the post of chief executive member amid a no-confidence move supported by 21 council members.

Later in the day, the council elected D Ch Sangma as the new chief executive member and formed a fresh executive committee.

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Tynsong stated that the question of requiring Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates for candidates contesting the council elections would now be addressed by the newly formed executive committee.

The extension also follows the government’s earlier decision to revoke and postpone the GHADC elections that had been scheduled for April 10, with counting on April 14, after tensions and protests erupted in the Garo Hills region regarding the participation of non-tribal candidates in the electoral process.

According to the deputy chief minister, the six-month extension would provide time for consultations and dialogue among stakeholders.

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He said discussions would be conducted under the leadership of the chief minister and the GHADC chief executive member to address concerns and ensure that the aspirations of residents of the Garo Hills region are taken into consideration.

Tynsong described the cabinet’s decision as an important step taken in response to the prevailing law-and-order situation and the sentiments expressed by sections of the population.

Rejecting allegations from opposition parties that the move was politically motivated or designed to benefit the ruling National People’s Party, he said the government’s focus was on addressing public concerns rather than advancing partisan interests.

The government and the newly constituted executive committee are expected to engage with stakeholders over the coming months on issues related to candidate eligibility and possible amendments to the electoral framework.