Key Facts
Nicobarese tribal councils from three island groups have formally opposed the Election Commission's draft rules for conducting polls to their self-governance bodies. The councils argue that the proposed system could introduce 'election rivalry, division, and conflict' into their society, which has traditionally relied on consensus-based decision-making.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands (A&NI) administration had notified a public meeting on June 30 in Sri Vijaya Puram to discuss the draft rules, which were published under a 2009 Presidential Regulation aimed at bringing 'greater autonomy' to the Nicobarese. However, the tribal councils of Little and Great Nicobar, Kamorta (Nancowry), and Katchal Island have submitted detailed objections, calling for the withdrawal of the draft.
Details of the Draft Rules
The draft rules proposed reorganizing Nicobarese villages into constituencies that would elect representatives to form a larger tribal council. Key provisions included delimitation, preparation of voter rolls, reservation of leadership positions for women, and five-yearly elections. The rules also outlined the structure of the new representative system, candidature norms, and the administrative setup for conducting polls. Notably, the district administration would retain an absolute veto over any decision taken by the tribal or village councils.
The draft was notified on May 15, and the 30-day window for objections and suggestions closed this week. Besides the tribal councils, the Congress party in the islands also submitted objections.
Objections from Tribal Councils
The Great Nicobar Tribal Council stated that the draft rules interfere with their existing governance, which is 'traditional, time-tested, and consensus-based.' They noted that since August 15, 1947, government officials have assured the Nicobarese that their traditions would be protected. The councils from Katchal and Kamorta emphasized that their traditional systems have 'protected our people, culture, customs, and social harmony' for centuries.
'Even today our villages remain united through customary understanding and collective decision-making based on trust and tradition,' the councils said. The Great Nicobar council added that they have been holding elections for captains and tribal councils through a process 'perfected over hundreds of years' and neither asked for nor need the draft rules. They argued that the draft hands the entire election procedure to bureaucrats, defeating the purpose of tribal councils.
Impact and Concerns
The councils pointed out that the draft fails to recognize key elements of Nicobarese social organization, such as joint family/kinship structures (tuhets, hokgnonks, komanaich). They also described the draft as too complicated, asserting that their existing system 'works.'
'Much of this draft has been drafted without any understanding of Nicobarese society. It does not improve existing systems of governance in the Nicobar Islands. We see the draft as an attempt to diminish the autonomy the Indian Constitution has granted to us by recognizing our traditional system of self-governance,' the Great Nicobar tribal council said in its letter.
What Readers Should Know
- The opposition highlights a clash between modern electoral processes and traditional tribal governance.
- The draft rules were intended to bring 'greater autonomy' but are seen by the councils as an infringement.
- The administration's public meeting on June 30 may see further debate, but the councils have firmly rejected the draft.
FAQ
Why did Nicobarese tribal councils reject the Election Commission's draft rules?
The councils said the draft could introduce election rivalry, division, and conflict, and that their traditional consensus-based system aligns better with democratic values.
What did the draft rules propose?
The draft proposed reorganizing Nicobarese villages into constituencies with elected leaders, five-yearly elections, reservation for women, and a veto power for the district administration.
Which tribal councils opposed the draft?
The tribal councils of Little and Great Nicobar, Kamorta (Nancowry), and Katchal Island wrote detailed objections.
What is the traditional governance system of the Nicobarese?
The Nicobarese have a traditional, time-tested, consensus-based system centered on joint family/kinship structures like tuhets, hokgnonks, or komanaich.