Port Blair: The ANTCC Campaign Comittee Chairman G Bhasker has strongly opposed the Draft Andaman & Nicobar Islands Tribal Council (Preparation of Electoral Rolls and Conduct of Elections) Rules, 2026, alleging that the proposed framework could weaken the traditional self-governance system of the Nicobarese community. In a representation to the Lieutenant Governor, he urged the Administration to withdraw the draft rules and hold extensive consultations with Tribal Councils, Tuhet representatives and community elders before finalizing any legislation.
Bhasker said the draft ignores the traditional Tuhet system, which forms the foundation of Nicobarese social and political life, and has been prepared without meaningful consultation with the seven Tribal Councils. He warned that imposing an externally designed electoral structure could create political and factional divisions within the otherwise cohesive tribal society.
Bhasker also objected to the proposed ward-based delimitation, stating that it contradicts the traditional consensus-based governance model and may weaken village unity.
The Congress leader further raised concerns over electoral roll preparation, voting rights of tsunami-displaced families, exclusion of tribal members residing outside native villages, absence of postal ballot provisions, and excessive powers proposed for administrative authorities.
Pointing to contradictions in the draft, Bhasker noted that while elections are described as non-party based, the rules still contain references to political affiliations. He also stressed the need for an independent mechanism to address electoral disputes.
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Emphasizing that the Nicobarese community enjoys constitutional protection under the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956, Bhasker said any electoral framework affecting tribal governance must be framed with the full participation and consent of the tribal community.
