The election to the Khasi Hills District Council is, it appears, poised for a photo-finish with neither the regional party combine nor the Congress(I)-led MDF group are sure about securing an absolute majority.
While the regional parties are “confident of winning at least 14 seats”, to quote an important functionary of the APHLC, the MDF-group though not sure how many seats it could bag, was positive that the regional parties would not be able to secure majority in the House.
Observers say that in case of an indecisive verdict, the Congress(I) with its superior power would be in an advantageous position to secure power.
The pattern f contest in this election shows that it is virtually an extension of the legislature by the ruling-MDF and the MUPP-opposition. The MUPP has tried to put up a consensus candidate in each constituency, succeeding only in 27 seats, where an adjustment has been worked out. In two seats – Langrin and Mawkyrwat – the contest is open.
The MDF group, on the other hand, has put up 20 candidates under the Congress(I) symbol and are supporting Independents in the remaining seats. Among the Independents candidates are three Ministers – Mr G. Mylliemngap, Mr Kitdor Syiem and Dr. F.A. Khonglam.
In the fray are five sitting MLAs, besides the six Ministers, In four constituencies there are straight fights. In nine constituencies the contest is triangular. There are 108 candidates in the field.