With Lok Sabha and state assembly elections scheduled concurrently in Sikkim on April 19, political parties are gearing up for an intense electoral battle. The ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), confident of securing victory in all 32 assembly seats, is poised for a second term in office. In the 2019 polls, the party clinched 17 seats, outperforming the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), which secured 15 seats.
Here's a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis of the SKM in Sikkim:
Strengths: Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang's widespread appeal as a charismatic youth leader, coupled with his direct outreach to the masses, bolsters the party's electoral prospects. The implementation of women-centric schemes and the recent regularisation of 27,000 jobs provide additional impetus to the ruling party.
Weaknesses: The SKM faces allegations of violence against political adversaries and accusations of corruption and financial mismanagement, which could undermine its electoral standing.
Opportunities: The recent defection of senior SDF leaders to the SKM, along with an influx of approximately 13,000 new voters, presents opportunities for the ruling party to consolidate its support base.
Threats: Unfulfilled promises from the SKM's 2019 manifesto, such as seat reservations and tribal status for certain communities, pose challenges to the party's credibility and electoral success.
Meanwhile, the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), erstwhile ruling party for 25 years until 2019, is embarking on the elections under a new avatar termed SDF 2.0. With its "Sikkim Bachao Abhiyan" campaign, the party aims to position itself as the primary opposition force in the state.
Strengths: The rejuvenated SDF 2.0 presents a blend of youth and experienced members, projecting an image of a non-violent party. The inclusion of former footballer Bhaichung Bhutia and the merger with the Hamro Sikkim Party add to the party's appeal.
Weaknesses: Despite its long-standing rule, the SDF's dominance has waned, generating apathy among voters and perceptions of being a one-man party.
Opportunities: Early candidate declarations and the narrative of protecting Sikkim's interests against BJP influence provide strategic advantages to the SDF.
Threats: The absence of fresh leadership and the potential departure of senior members could hamper the SDF's electoral prospects.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a coalition partner of the ruling SKM, is poised to leverage its alliance and capitalize on the support base of its partners. However, the party faces challenges in overcoming its "outsider" tag and expanding its grassroots support.|
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