The free and fair conduct of elections to the Panchayati Raj Institutions and municipalities is crucial, as these local bodies are key units of local self-government established by the 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Constitution of India. The Common Election Commission for the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, created under Articles 243-K and 243-ZA, oversees the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections for Panchayats and Municipalities. The Union Territory of Ladakh was added to this Commission in September 2023.
This Commission holds powers equivalent to those of the Election Commission of India under Article 324 of the Constitution. The legal framework and procedures for elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions and municipalities in the Union Territories are defined by the relevant Election Procedure Rules and Regulations. The Commission operates independently of the Union Territory Administration, free from political or executive interference, in its supervision, direction, and control of election processes and electoral roll preparation. The Returning Officer conducts these elections under the supervision of the Director of Panchayat and Municipal Elections, guided by the Common Election Commission for Union Territories.
