Shillong,  Sept 28: The National People’s Party (NPP) Chief, Conrad Sangma on Tuesday said the party will be meeting on Tuesday to finalize the candidates for the upcoming bye-elections to three Assembly seats on October 30, 2021.

After a cabinet meeting, Sangma said,  “We will be finalizing on the candidates and some of the candidates list have already been approved.”

The state party president will be releasing the names of the candidates by evening if not done already, he added.

On a query that very little time has been given by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to file nominations, Sangma said it is in the wisdom of the Election commission of India, and he wouldn’t comment on it.

“And since the Election commission has already announced the dates respective political parties will plan accordingly,” he said.

Concerns on 3rd wave of Covid

When asked if Covid-19 third wave possibility during the election was a concern, Sangma said, “We cannot assume things. However, I’m sure that the Election Commission will give us rules and protocols to follow and all political parties and candidates will have to follow and taken this decision after due consideration taking everything into account.”

Cabinet discusses bye-elections

It may be mentioned that the cabinet meeting on Tuesday  discussed about the upcoming bye-elections in the state in three constituencies, namely, Mawryngkneng, Rajabala and Mawphlang due to the death of the respective MLAs.

Apart from this, discussion was held regarding the smooth implementation of the Model Code of Conduct issued by the ECI.