The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) revealed its roster of candidates for six assembly seats on Monday, just ahead of the forthcoming election schedule announcement, according to officials.
The list, released by party officials, sees former Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling seeking re-election from his home turf, Namchi-Singhithang. A victory there would mark a record ninth term in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly for the veteran politician.
The SDF has placed its bets on familiar faces for the three Mangan district seats.
Former Rajya Sabha MP Hissey Lachungpa will contest from Lachen-Mangan (BL-Reserved), while Gnawong Chopel Lepcha and Sonam Gyatso Lepcha will vie for Kabi-Lungchok (BL-Reserved) and Dzongu (BL-Reserved) constituencies respectively.
Lachungpa's return to the fray comes after completing two terms in the upper house of Parliament.
The SDF has also brought back Ashish Rai into the fold for the Gangtok constituency's Arithang seat. Rai had contested as an independent in the 2019 elections after being denied a ticket by the party.
Norzang Lepcha rounds out the initial list, receiving the SDF nomination for the Tumin Lingee (BL-Reserved) assembly seat.
BL, or Bhutia-Lepcha, reservations are designated for Sikkim's indigenous tribal communities. These seats comprise 12 of the 32 total constituencies in the state assembly.
The SDF's announcement comes as Sikkim eagerly awaits the official election schedule, expected to be declared soon.
This initial list of candidates offers a glimpse into the party's strategy as they aim to regain power in the upcoming polls.
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