Shillong, Oct 29: The Meghalaya Cabinet on Wednesday approved the schedule for the preparation of electoral rolls for the upcoming Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections, which are expected to be held next year.

Announcing the decision after the Cabinet meeting, Minister and Government Spokesperson Wailadmiki Shylla said the government has initiated the preparatory process, although the exact election date has yet to be finalised.

“The government needs to start the necessary steps to ensure that the electoral rolls are ready before the elections,” Shylla said.

He informed that the Cabinet’s approval covers the entire schedule for the preparation of the rolls, including the publication of draft rolls, filing of claims and objections, and finalisation of the electoral lists.

Addressing concerns about non-tribal voters in the GHADC polls, Commissioner and Secretary C.V.D. Diengdoh clarified that Deputy Commissioners will adhere strictly to the Autonomous District (AD) Rules, which define clear criteria for voter eligibility.

“The rules will be followed in letter and spirit, and the process of claims and objections will remain open to all those who are entitled to vote,” Diengdoh assured.

The move marks the formal beginning of the electoral preparations for the GHADC elections, a crucial democratic exercise for the Garo Hills region.