Draft Andaman and Nicobar Islands Tribal Councils Election Rules 2026:
The administration of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has proposed the Draft Andaman and Nicobar Islands Tribal Councils (Preparation of Electoral Rolls and Conduct of Elections) Rules, 2026, introducing a formal electoral framework for Nicobarese tribal councils.
- The proposal has sparked debate among the Nicobarese community, which fears that the move could alter traditional systems of self-governance and weaken customary decision-making structures.
Changes:
- Codified Representation: Introduces a formalized, legally binding five-year tenure for all Village Councils and Island Tribal Councils, replacing the fluid, need-based customary cycle.
- Mainland Electoral Mechanisms: Mandates the systematic delimitation of official electoral constituencies, the formulation of formal electoral rolls, and structured rules for candidate nomination, scrutiny, and withdrawal.
- Restructured Representative Hierarchy: Villagers will formally elect five to nine Captains per village.
- Villagers will cast direct votes to elect the Chief Captain of each Island Tribal Council.
- The First Captains of all constituent villages on an island will vote to elect the Vice-Chief Captain.
- The formalized Island Tribal Council will collectively comprise the Chief Captain, the Vice-Chief Captain, and all First Captains.
- Gender Mainstreaming: Mandates the institutional reservation of seats and leadership positions for women within both village and island councils.
- Administrative Veto Clause: Reinforces a controversial element from the baseline 2009 Presidential Regulation.
- Under this clause, the local district administration (via the Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner) retains an absolute, unilateral veto over any council decision deemed a threat to public order, likely to cause “annoyance” to the public, or lead to a breach of peace.
