Shillong, Feb 26: A multi-cornered contest will likely to be expected in 59 of the 60 assembly constituencies, which go to the polls on February 27.
According to reports, the 12 district of Meghalaya was under heavy security.
The polling would not be held in Sohiong Assembly Constituency in East Khasi Hills district following the death of United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate H. Donkupar Roy Lyngdoh, who died on February 20 due to cardiac arrest.
The balloting would start at 7 a.m. in the morning and it would continue till 4 p.m. without any break.
Speaking to media persons, Meghalaya Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) F.R. Kharkongor said that polling parties accompanied by security personnel had already reached the 3,419 polling stations across 59 Assembly constituencies.
Kharkongor said a total of 369 candidates, including 36 women, are contesting the Monday’s Assembly elections.
In the 2018 Assembly polls, 329 candidates, including 32 women, had fought the elections.
Around 21.75 lakh electorate including 10.92 lakh women are eligible to exercise their franchise in the elections.
The BJP and the Congress have put up 60 candidates each, while main opposition Trinamool Congress nominated 56 candidates, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma-led NPP has fielded 57 candidates, United Democratic Party (UDP) – 46, Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) – 11, People’s Democratic Front – nine, Gana Suraksha Party – one, Garo National Council – two, Janata Dal (United) – three, Republican Party of India – two, Republican Party of India (Athawale) – six, Voice of the People Party – 18.
BJP’s two sitting MLAs Alexander Laloo Hek and Sanbor Shullai are contesting from Pynthorumkhrah and South Shillong seats respectively while state party President Ernest Mawrie is contesting from West Shillong seat.
Prominent other candidates in the fray include Deputy Chief Minister and NPP leader Prestone Tynsong (Pynursla), Assembly Speaker and UDP President Metbah Lyngdoh (Mairang), Home Minister and UDP leader Lahkmen Rymbui (Amlarem), former Assembly Speaker and NPP leader Abu Taher Mondal (Phulbari).
