By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Independent candidates are expected to play a dominant in deciding the next government in Meghalaya with as many 122 candidates including 8 females contesting the February 23 polls.
Poll outcome since 1972 show that Independent candidates have always emerged as major players in government formations in the State.
The present leaders of various political parties including DD Lapang, Rowell Lyngdoh and HS Lyngdoh had all contested and won as Independents in the first elections in 1972 and the 60-member Assembly had as many as 18 Independent representatives.
In the 1978 Assembly election, the number of winning Independent candidates went down to 10 while in the 1983 election, the number of Independent candidates was at its lowest with only two making it to the House.
However, in the 1988 Assembly polls, the number of Independent MLAs went up to nine and it rose to ten in 1993.
In the 1998 and 2003 elections, the number of Independent MLAs stood at four and five respectively.
In the last Assembly election in the State in 2008, five Independent candidates had emerged victorious.
Considering the fact that a large number of Independent candidates contesting for the February 23 election, most of whom have been earlier associated with political parties, there are chances that the next Legislative Assembly in the State will have several Independent members.
Prominent Independent candidates who are contesting the election include Saleng A Sangma (Gambegre), PT Sawkmie (Pynthorumkhrah), Hilarius Dkhar (Nartiang), Robinus Syngkon (Mokaiaw), Donkupar Sumer (Umsning), Stanlywiss Rymbai (Umroi), David A Nongrum (Mawryngkneng), Teiborlang Pathaw (Mawlai), Teilinia Thangkhiew (Mylliem), Hilarius Pohchen (Nongkrem), Pynshai Manik Syiem (Mawphlang), Donkupar Massar (Pynursla), Pelcy Snaitang (Mawshynrut), Brigady Marak (Bajendoba), Jonathane N Sangma (Williamnagar), Jimmy D Sangma (Tikrikila), Binoy Kumar Ghosh (Phulbari), Ashahel D Shira and Dr Azad Zaman (Rajabala), Ismail R Marak (Dadenggre), Roger Benny A Sangma (North Tura), John Leslee K Sangma (South Tura), Kurosh M Marak (Dalu) and Samuel M Sangma (Baghmara).