SHILLONG — Non-tribals will no longer be eligible to vote in Garo Hills Autonomous District Council elections after Meghalaya notified amendments making Scheduled Tribe status a requirement for GHADC voters and candidates.
The GHADC (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026 were published in the Meghalaya Gazette on September 30 after receiving the Governor’s approval.
The amendment changes Rule 128 of the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Councils) Rules, 1951, requiring voters to belong to a Scheduled Tribe specified for Meghalaya.
It also amends the candidate qualification provisions and replaces Rule 129(2) with a provision for a separate electoral roll for every GHADC constituency.
The separate roll will be prepared specifically for elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, and a person will not be entitled to vote unless their name is registered in the electoral roll of the concerned constituency.
The GHADC had passed the amendment Bill on August 10, while the Governor had approved its introduction in the council on August 6.
The amended rules extend across the entire Garo Hills Autonomous District and come into force from their publication in the Official Gazette.
