The Election Commission has intensified its focus on transparency and criminal record disclosure ahead of the Meghalaya Rajya Sabha Election scheduled for June 18. Election officials in Shillong briefed political parties on mandatory compliance, nomination rules, and voting procedures as the lone Upper House seat from the state prepares for a fresh contest.
Quick Glance
- Meghalaya Rajya Sabha election will take place on June 18, 2026
- EC directed parties to disclose criminal records of candidates
- Nomination filing will continue till June 8
- Ruling NPP is likely to retain the lone Rajya Sabha seat
Shillong: The Election Commission has placed transparency and accountability at the centre of the upcoming Rajya Sabha election in Meghalaya. Ahead of the June 18 poll, officials instructed political parties and candidates to strictly follow rules related to criminal antecedent disclosures and election compliance.
The move comes as Meghalaya prepares to elect one member to the Rajya Sabha following the completion of sitting MP Dr Wanweiroy Kharlukhi’s six-year term.
During a high-level meeting held at the Main Secretariat in Shillong, Meghalaya Chief Electoral Officer Dr B.D.R. Tiwari interacted with representatives of various political parties. The session focused on election procedures, nomination formalities, legal obligations and mandatory disclosure norms.
Election authorities stressed that transparency remains a critical element of the democratic process. Therefore, candidates contesting the Rajya Sabha election must publicly declare pending criminal cases, if any, through affidavits and prescribed forms.
EC Highlights Supreme Court Directives on Criminal Cases
Officials informed political parties that compliance with Supreme Court directives regarding criminal background disclosure is mandatory. The Election Commission also reiterated that parties sponsoring candidates must widely publicise such information for voters and lawmakers.
Authorities explained that the disclosure process aims to strengthen electoral integrity and improve public trust in democratic institutions.
Election officials further clarified that all candidates must submit Form 26 affidavits containing details of criminal antecedents, assets, liabilities and educational qualifications.
In addition, parties must comply with Forms C1 to C8, which relate to the publication of criminal background details through media and official communication channels.
Officials warned that any lapse in compliance could attract legal consequences under Election Commission rules.
Meghalaya Rajya Sabha Election Schedule Announced
The Election Commission has already released the timeline for the biennial Rajya Sabha election in Meghalaya.
| Election Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Issue Date | June 1, 2026 |
| Last Date for Nominations | June 8, 2026 |
| Scrutiny of Nominations | June 9, 2026 |
| Last Date for Withdrawal | June 11, 2026 |
| Polling Date | June 18, 2026 |
| Counting of Votes | June 18, 2026 |
| Completion of Election Process | Before June 20, 2026 |
Polling will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Counting will begin at 5 p.m. on the same day.
Political Parties Briefed on Voting Procedure
Election officials also educated party representatives on the Rajya Sabha voting mechanism. The election will follow the proportional representation system through a single transferable vote.
Authorities explained the open ballot procedure under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
MLAs belonging to recognised political parties can display their marked ballot papers only to authorised party agents. However, Independent MLAs cannot reveal their ballots to any representative.
Officials also explained the importance of Form 2C, security deposits, oath requirements and Forms AA and BB applicable for party-backed candidates.
Representatives from multiple political parties sought clarifications during the meeting. Election officials responded to queries related to voting rules, nomination scrutiny and legal compliance.
NPP Expected to Hold Advantage
The Rajya Sabha seat will become vacant after Dr Wanweiroy Kharlukhi completes his tenure in June 2026. Dr Kharlukhi belongs to the ruling National People’s Party (NPP).
Political observers believe the NPP is in a comfortable position due to its numerical strength in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. As a result, the ruling party is expected to retain the lone Rajya Sabha seat without major difficulty.
Sources also indicated that Dr Kharlukhi may step away from active parliamentary politics after the completion of his current term.
The upcoming election is significant because it will test the Election Commission’s push for cleaner and more transparent electoral practices in the North East.
People Also Ask
What is the date of the Meghalaya Rajya Sabha election 2026?
The Rajya Sabha election in Meghalaya is scheduled for June 18, 2026.
Why is the Election Commission stressing criminal record disclosure?
The EC wants greater transparency in elections and compliance with Supreme Court directives regarding candidates with criminal cases.
Which party is likely to win the Meghalaya Rajya Sabha seat?
The ruling National People’s Party (NPP) is expected to retain the seat due to its majority in the Meghalaya Assembly.